The Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intercepted a shipment containing approximately 1,706 grams of methamphetamine or “shabu,” valued at ₱11,600,800.00.
The shipment originated from South Africa and was bound for Angeles City, Pampanga. The shipment underwent regular Customs clearance procedures until the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) detected suspicious images within the declared car parts. A subsequent K-9 sniff test yielded positive indications for illegal drugs, prompting the assigned Customs Examiner to conduct a 100% physical examination.
During the examination, authorities discovered two (2) engine pistons and one (1) tensioner pulley kit concealing seventeen (17) black and transparent plastic packages containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine or “shabu.” The contraband weighed approximately 1,706 grams, with an estimated standard drug value of ₱11.6 million.
Initial screening using a Rigaku Spectrometer indicated the presence of methamphetamine. Representative samples were subsequently turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory laboratory examination.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued against the shipment 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 (CMTA), in relation to Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
District Collector Jairus S. Reyes emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening the capabilities of Customs personnel against evolving smuggling methods. “Patuloy nating pinapalakas ang training at skills ng ating Customs frontliners. Their vigilance and expertise remain our strongest defense against evolving smuggling methods.”, Reyes said.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the deeper purpose behind the Bureau’s intensified anti-smuggling operations. “Hindi lang halaga ng nasamsam ang mahalaga. Bawat pagkakasabat ay nangangahulugang mas maraming mapanganib na ilegal na droga ang napipigilang makarating sa mga pamilya at komunidad ng mga Pilipino.”, Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The successful operation highlights the sustained coordination between the BOC–Port of Clark and its partner law enforcement agencies in strengthening border protection, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify efforts against illegal drugs, and preventing these dangerous substances from reaching Filipino communities.
