By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted shabu worth PHP5.54 million hidden in toys at the Port of Clark.
The shipment containing 816 grams of shabu was discovered by Customs officers on Feb. 27, according to a news release from the BOC on Friday.
It came from California in the US and was bound for Cagayan de Oro City.
Port of Clark District collector Jairus Reyes said the operation stemmed from derogatory information provided by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), leading customs authorities to examine 10 pieces of toys —one surprise egg toy and nine kinetic sand toys.
Inside each toy were vacuum-sealed pouches containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be illegal drugs.
Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the substance as methamphetamine hydrochloride, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued against the shipment for violating Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to RA No. 9165.
Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, meanwhile, underscored the importance of strengthening border protection and preventing illicit trade, thereby enhancing national security and safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino people. (PNA)
