Around P6.8 million worth of illegal drugs concealed inside a trendy air fryer imported from Malaysia were intercepted by Customs officials at the Port of Clark last week.
In a report, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said that the shipment containing the contraband arrived at the Port of Clark from Sha Alam, Malaysia on Feb. 16.
A suspicious substance was found inside the lid of the air fryer--a popular kitchen appliance nowadays--during standard examination of the item at the port.
A Customs examiner opened the shipment for verification and found two black placks containing a kilo of white crystalline substances suspected to be "shabu".
District Collector Ruby Alameda immediately issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment after authorities confirmed through laboratory testing that the substance was indeed an illegal drug.
Authorities from the BOC and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 3 conducted a controlled delivery operation on Friday, Feb. 19 which led to the arrest of the claimant in Cebu City.
A case for violation of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the suspect, the BOC said.
"In strict compliance with the directive of Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero, the port will maintain heightened border security against the entry of illegal drugs," Alameda said. (with reports from Ariel Fernandez)