By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Customs authorities intercepted over PHP105 million worth of shabu in separate incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Clark, Pampanga.
In a news release Wednesday, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said a Malaysian passenger was flagged after suspicious images were detected during x-ray screening of her baggage at the NAIA Terminal 1 on March 20.
A full physical examination led to the discovery of over 15 kg. of shabu concealed in two boxes declared as chopping boards with an estimated value of PHP102.16 million.
The passenger was immediately apprehended and turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), together with the confiscated illegal substances, for inquest proceedings.
Charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) will be filed against the suspect.
Meanwhile, the BOC-Port of Clark has prevented the entry of a shabu shipment with an estimated street value of PHP3.53 million.
The bureau said the illegal drugs were concealed in a motor filter inside a parcel that originated from Zambia and was bound for Cavite.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered inside the filter cylinder five rectangular paper containers made of carbon paper and secured within a metal mesh.
Further examination revealed five sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. Initial screening using a Rigaku spectrometer indicated the presence of the prohibited drug.
Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the substance as shabu.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued by District Collector Jairus Reyes against the shipment for violations of Sections 1400, 118(g), 119(d), and 1113, paragraphs (f), (i), and (l)(3) and (4), of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
