CLARK Freeport — Customs and drug enforcement authorities seized about 1.573 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine worth P10.696 million that was concealed inside the cardboard walls of a wedding dress box shipped from Mexico to the Philippines, officials said.

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 the shipment, which was declared as a “Wedding Dress” and consigned to Mandaluyong City.

Authorities acted on derogatory information and subjected the shipment to X-ray scanning by the Bureau of Customs’ X-ray Inspection Project. The scan showed suspicious images, prompting a physical examination.

A customs examiner initially inspected the wedding dress, including its ruffles, but found no contraband. The examiner then checked the carton after noting its unusual weight and the X-ray images.

When the box was dismantled, authorities found four transparent plastic pouches hidden inside its cardboard sidewalls. The pouches contained a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.

The substance weighed about 1,573 grams and had an estimated standard drug value of P10,696,400, according to customs officials. Initial screening with a spectrometer indicated the presence of methamphetamine.

Samples were turned over to PDEA Clark for laboratory analysis and confirmatory testing.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the seizure underscored the need for customs personnel to remain vigilant as smugglers use increasingly sophisticated concealment methods.

“Mas nagiging madiskarte ang mga smugglers at minsan, sa unang tingin, parang walang kahina-hinala sa shipment. Kaya hindi tayo puwede maging kumpyansa,” Nepomuceno said. “Our Customs officers must remain sharp, thorough, and ready to check beyond what is immediately visible.”

District Collector Jairus S. Reyes said the Port of Clark would continue to strengthen its profiling and examination capabilities in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for alleged violations of Section 1113(l)(3), (4) and (5) of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act 9165, as amended.

The operation is part of the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and efforts to strengthen border security, customs officials said.