MANILA: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Clark, Pampanga, intercepted three parcels containing suspected shabu, with an estimated street value exceeding PHP100 million. This significant seizure underscores the ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, the illegal drugs, valued at approximately PHP103,113,600, were initially flagged as 'suspicious' during an X-ray inspection at the port. The parcels, which arrived on December 18 and were declared as 'brochures' originating from Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois in the United States, underwent detailed examination. Subsequent inspection revealed that they contained plastic pouches filled with crystalline substances, suspected to be shabu.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a chemical laboratory analysis, confirming the seized substances as shabu, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act (RA) 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Following this confirmation, Austria issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipments for violating RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to RA 9165.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the Bureau's commitment to partnering with law enforcement agencies to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but reiterated the Bureau's resolve to strengthen collaborations with partner agencies. In a statement released on Saturday, Rubio stated, "Though there is still much work to do in the Bureau of Customs to achieve greatness in our efforts to stop any illegal attempts to import controlled substances into the country, we will continue to strengthen our coordination with our partner law enforcement agencies in protecting our nation from the damaging effects of drug trafficking."
This incident represents a significant success in the ongoing battle against drug smuggling and highlights the vigilant efforts of the Bureau of Customs and other law enforcement agencies in the Philippines.