Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno personally led an inspection that uncovered approximately ₱249.8 million worth of suspected Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” cleverly concealed within a shipment of industrial lighting equipment.
Acting on intelligence reports, BOC operatives intercepted a suspicious shipment at a warehouse facility in Pasay City. During the physical examination, authorities discovered white crystalline substances hidden inside the internal components of LED spotlights.
The inspection and subsequent testing yielded the following results:
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Total Weight: 36,740 grams (36.74 kg)
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Estimated Street Value: ₱249,832,000
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Confirmatory Test: Conducted by BOC examiners in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), confirming the substance as Methamphetamine Hydrochloride.
This seizure is the latest in a series of high-profile intercepts by the Bureau, reinforcing the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the national campaign against illegal drugs and fortify the country’s borders against sophisticated smuggling techniques.
“The concealment of illegal drugs in everyday items like lighting fixtures shows the lengths these syndicates will go to bypass our laws,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno. “However, our enhanced intelligence-sharing and rigorous inspection protocols remain one step ahead. We are steadfast in our mission to protect our communities from the scourge of illegal drugs.”
The confiscated illegal drugs have been turned over to PDEA for proper disposal and the initiation of criminal proceedings. The Bureau of Customs is currently conducting a follow-up investigation to identify the consignees, brokers, and cohorts involved in the shipment to ensure they face the full force of the law under Republic Act No. 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
