Ang Pahayagan

PORT OF CLARK, Pampanga-Authorities from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, successfully intercepted nearly Php33.95 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” concealed in several inbound parcels, officials reported Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

The operation was carried out in line with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and strengthen border security.

According to BOC officials, a total of approximately 4.992 kilograms of suspected shabu was discovered during inspection procedures at the Port of Clark. The parcels underwent routine clearance procedures, including X-ray scanning by the bureau’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), which revealed suspicious images that prompted further examination.

A K-9 sniff test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs, leading customs examiners to conduct a full physical inspection. Authorities later discovered white crystalline substances suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride inside all five parcels.

The first shipment, which arrived on March 30, 2026 from South Africa and was bound for Batangas City, was declared as “Air Filters.” Upon inspection, authorities discovered four transparent plastic pouches concealed inside two air filters. The contraband weighed about 2,004 grams and had an estimated street value of Php13.63 million.

A second parcel that arrived on March 31, 2026 from Uganda and was destined for Dasmariñas City was declared as “Textbooks and Briefcase.” Authorities found a black leather case containing two sheets of black carbon paper concealing approximately 582 grams of suspected shabu valued at Php3.96 million.

Two other parcels that arrived on April 2, 2026 from Zimbabwe and were both bound for Las Piñas City were declared as “Documents.” Inspection revealed black leather cases containing packages wrapped in carbon paper that concealed white crystalline substances weighing about 2,170 grams with an estimated value of Php14.76 million.

Meanwhile, a fifth parcel that arrived on April 8, 2026 from Delaware, United States and was destined for Taguig City was declared as “Polyester Clothing.” Inside the package, authorities found approximately 236 grams of suspected shabu worth around Php1.6 million.

Initial analysis using a Rigaku spectrometer confirmed that the seized substances were methamphetamine hydrochloride, a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165. Samples from the confiscated items were later submitted to PDEA for confirmatory laboratory testing.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipments for violations of provisions under Republic Act No. 10863 in relation to Republic Act No. 9165. Customs

Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno highlighted the role of modern technology in strengthening border protection. He noted that advanced X-ray scanning systems and the vigilance of customs personnel were key factors in detecting the concealed illegal drugs.

Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes also reiterated the port’s commitment to preventing the entry of illegal drugs into the country. He said the successful interceptions demonstrate the continued vigilance of authorities in combating drug smuggling. The Bureau of Customs reaffirmed its commitment to securing the country’s borders and protecting communities from the threats posed by illegal drugs through strengthened coordination with partner law enforcement agencies. (Jason de Asis)

TOP📸| Port of Clark — Authorities from the Bureau of Customs–Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, intercepted Php33.945 million worth of suspected shabu concealed in inbound parcels, preventing nearly 5 kilograms of illegal drugs from entering the country. (BOC-Clark)