Ang Pahayagan

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intercepted a shipment containing approximately 4,050 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱27.54 million.

The shipment, which originated from the United States and was bound for Mandaluyong City, arrived at the Port of Clark on June 9 and underwent physical examination on June 11.

Declared as nail powder and other salon products, the parcel was subjected to standard customs clearance procedures, including X-ray scanning and profiling. Suspicious findings prompted customs authorities to conduct a full physical examination.

During the inspection, authorities discovered a nail care set and two white plastic square buckets labeled as nail powder products. Hidden inside the containers was a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, weighing about 4,050 grams.

Initial testing using a Rigaku spectrometer confirmed the substance as methamphetamine hydrochloride, a dangerous drug prohibited under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

Representative samples were subsequently turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory laboratory examination.

The Port of Clark issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) against the shipment for alleged violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to Republic Act No. 9165.

Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes commended customs personnel and partner agencies for their efforts in preventing the entry of illegal drugs into the country.

“I commend our Customs frontliners and partner agencies for their dedication and teamwork. Their tireless efforts continue to strengthen our defenses against illegal drugs and protect our communities,” Reyes said.

The BOC said it remains committed to strengthening border security and intensifying efforts against the smuggling of illegal drugs and other prohibited substances.