CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Authorities intercepted a shipment containing about 925 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, valued at P6.29 million and concealed inside water pressure equipment bound for Taytay, Rizal from the United States, the Bureau of Customs said.

The shipment was intercepted by the BOC-Port of Clark in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs.

During routine customs clearance, the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project detected suspicious images inside the declared water pressure equipment, prompting authorities to conduct a further inspection.

A PDEA K-9 unit later gave a positive indication for the possible presence of dangerous drugs.

A physical examination resulted in the discovery of a transparent plastic bag wrapped in duct tape and concealed inside the equipment. The package contained a white crystalline substance weighing about 925 grams.

Initial screening using a Rigaku Spectrometer indicated that the substance was methamphetamine.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the operation underscored the importance of combining inspection technology with the skills and vigilance of Customs personnel.

“Malaking tulong ang ating X-ray machines, pero equally important ang knowledge, skills, at vigilance ng ating Customs officers,” Nepomuceno said, adding that the bureau would continue strengthening the capabilities of its personnel to detect suspicious shipments.

The BOC issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for alleged violations of Section 1113(l)(3), (4) and (5) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

District Collector Jairus S. Reyes said the Port of Clark would continue strengthening border protection and coordination with law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.