Philippines
National
BOC foils attempt to smuggle P2.2-B worth of shabu into PH during Manila port operation
BOC foils attempt to smuggle P2.2-B worth of shabu into PH during Manila port operation
Intelligence and investigation agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) have foiled an attempt of around P2.2 billion worth of shabu during an inspection of shipment at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on Thursday, Oct. 4
BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio said the shipment came from Mexico and was declared as jerky beef—but turned out to be a front to hide around 323 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Agents of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), led by Intelligence Officer 3 Alvin Enciso, check on the crystal meth concealed in imported jerky beef from Mexico on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023. (photo: BOC)
Rubio said the shipment arrived at the MICP on Feb. 24 from Logistica Integral Aduanal Meyma and Aime Express Logistics SA DE CV, Mexico, and consigned to a certain Salesbeat Within OPC.
“This successful operation is in line with the President’s directive for an intensified campaign against illegal drugs,” said Rubio.
Rubio lauded the BOC’s Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) for initiating the actions that led to the discovery of illegal drugs.
The CIIS earlier received derogatory information that the shipment contained illegal drugs. The unit then monitored closely the declaration, processing, and the movement of the shipment but despite considerable lapse of time, no goods declaration was filed for it.
On Sept. 29, the CIIS-MICP requested the District Collector of MICP to issue Pre-Lodgment Control Order (PLCO) against the shipment described in the covering Bill of Lading to contain laminated beef jerky.
The CIIS-MICP then coordinated with the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), BOC-X-Ray Inspection Project (BOC-XIP), Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG), BOC-Enforcement and Security Service (BOC-ESS), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (CCBI) for the inspection.
On Oct. 4, the shipment was subjected to X-ray scanning and 100% physical examination, which yielded more or less 323 kilos of shabu concealed inside the tightly-wrapped beef jerky.
Authorities estimated the street value of the seized illegal drugs to be around P2.2 billion.
Deputy Commissioner for Customs Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said the discovered illegal drugs were temporarily loaded back inside the subject container, padlocked and sealed with the signatures of the assigned Customs examiner and afore-identified witnesses.
“This latest operation is not only a coordinated response to the President’s call but also a fulfillment of the agency’s mandate to protect the country’s borders and ensure the security of all ports of entry,” said Uy.
For his part, MICP District Collector Romeo Rosales assured the public of their intensified monitoring of shipment as part of its security mission.
He also lauded his men for quick response on acting to intelligence reports: “Their drive, vigilance, and alertness on a daily basis made this operation possible. We remain committed in keeping our communities safe from these narcotics while also facilitating lawful entries of goods.”