By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Nearly 200 kilograms of suspected shabu, estimated to be worth ₱1.36 billion, were intercepted by customs and anti-narcotics authorities after intelligence reports prompted a closer examination of a shipping container at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The suspected drugs were discovered concealed among stacks of carton boxes inside a 40-foot container carrying cargo that originated from Lao PDR and was loaded in Haiphong, Vietnam.
The shipment initially drew scrutiny after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Intelligence Service identifying it as suspicious.
Customs personnel, working with the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force and PDEA operatives, subsequently conducted a thorough inspection that led to the discovery.
Initial field testing on the seized substances indicated the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Investigators are now coordinating with PDEA and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group to trace the shipment’s movement, establish its origin and identify those responsible for the attempted smuggling.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla attended the presentation of the seized suspected narcotics.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said authorities would intensify intelligence operations, cargo inspections and coordination with partner agencies, stressing that identifying and holding the perpetrators accountable must go beyond simply intercepting illegal drugs.
ia/xf
