Ang Pahayagan

CLARK FREEPORT—The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), successfully intercepted a shipment containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” with an estimated street value of ₱3,536,000.00.

The parcel, which originated from Zambia and was bound for Cavite, was flagged during enhanced profiling and non-intrusive inspection conducted through the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP). Suspicious images prompted further examination, while a K-9 sniff test yielded positive indications for illegal drugs.

Authorities proceeded with a 100% physical examination, which led to the discovery of a motor vehicle filter inside the shipment. Concealed within the filter cylinder were five rectangular paper containers made of carbon paper and secured within a metal mesh. These contained five sachets of a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. Initial screening using a Rigaku spectrometer indicated the presence of illegal drugs.

Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the substance as methamphetamine hydrochloride, a dangerous drug prohibited under Republic Act No. 9165.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued by District Collector Jairus S. Reyes against the shipment for violations of relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, in relation to RA 9165.

Reyes underscored the importance of strengthening the capabilities of customs personnel. “This operation highlights the value of continuously investing in the knowledge and profiling skills of our examiners to detect suspicious parcels and stop illegal drugs from entering our communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the broader mission behind the agency’s anti-drug operations. “Beyond seizures, our mission is to protect the welfare of the Filipino people by preventing the harm these illegal drugs bring to families and communities,” he stated.

The successful interdiction reflects the BOC’s sustained commitment to support the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, strengthen border security, and safeguard the nation from the dangers of illicit substances.