Ang Pahayagan

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intercepted three separate shipments containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with a combined estimated value of more than P64.9 million.

According to the BOC, the first shipment arrived from India on May 25 and was bound for Camarines Sur. Declared as “Industrial Pistons,” the parcel yielded about 6.8 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P4.2 million concealed inside pistons during an examination conducted on May 26.

The second shipment arrived from Liberia on May 20 and was destined for Cavite. Declared as “Car Parts,” it contained approximately 432 grams of suspected shabu worth P2.9 million hidden inside wheel hubs. The illegal substance was discovered during inspection on May 25.

The third shipment, which arrived from Africa on May 22 and was bound for Angeles City, was declared as “Green Square Plastic Resin.” Customs authorities found around 8.5 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P57.8 million concealed within resin materials during an examination conducted on May 25.

Initial testing using a Rigaku Spectrometer confirmed the seized substances as methamphetamine hydrochloride, a dangerous drug prohibited under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Samples from the shipments were subsequently turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for confirmatory laboratory testing.

The Port of Clark issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipments for violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l)(3) and (4) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 9165.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said airport ports remain vulnerable entry points for illegal drugs and other prohibited goods, noting that air cargo and express parcels continue to be used in smuggling attempts.

He commended the Port of Clark and other airport ports under the Bureau’s jurisdiction for their vigilance and continued efforts in intercepting illegal shipments before they reach local communities.

For his part, District Collector Jairus S. Reyes lauded Customs personnel and partner agencies for their sustained vigilance and operational readiness in combating drug smuggling.

Reyes said smugglers continue to adopt new methods, but Customs personnel remain adaptive through strengthened coordination, enhanced profiling, and continuous monitoring of incoming shipments.

The Bureau of Customs said the successful operations highlight its ongoing commitment to preventing the entry of illegal narcotics and safeguarding the country’s borders from drug trafficking activities.

📸Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Clark