Customs thwarts P3.8-B drug smuggling plot
At A Glance
- The Bureau of Customs intercepted a smuggling attempt of narcotics valued at P3.8 billion. The operation was conducted following a derogatory report from the Intelligence Group.<br>A total of 530 packs, each containing approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine, were seized. The illicit substances were concealed within a 1x40' container falsely declared as animal feed from Thailand.<br>The operation was carried out in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).<br>The seized drugs were handed over to the PDEA, followed by a controlled delivery operation conducted by the NBI and PDEA.<br>The operation resulted in the apprehension of P3.6 billion worth of shabu, dealing a significant blow to drug trafficking.<br> The collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved demonstrated their commitment to combatting the illegal drug trade.
An operation conducted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has thwarted an attempt to smuggle narcotics with an estimated value of P3.8 billion.
Acting on report provided by the Intelligence Group, law enforcement officials successfully seized 530 packs of methamphetamine, each weighing around one kilogram.
The illicit substances were concealed within a 1x40' container, which had been falsely declared as containing 881 bags of animal feed originating from Thailand, BOC Port of Subic said.
This joint operation involved the collaborative efforts of the BOC, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), ensuring the success of the mission.
The shipment was subjected to a series of security measures at the port on Sept. 21, including a pre-lodgement control order and x-ray scanning, which raised suspicions about its contents.
As a result, District Collector Ciriaco Ugay and his team carried out a physical examination.
Joining Ugay were representatives from the NBI, PDEA, DOJ, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, and PDEA K9 Handlers.
During the examination, samples were extracted from the shipment and promptly handed over to the PDEA for chemical analysis.
The results confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, commonly known as shabu, which is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9165.
In light of these findings, Ugay issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention on Sept. 23, citing violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act as well as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Following the seizure, the confiscated drugs were promptly turned over to the PDEA. Subsequently, a controlled delivery operation was carried out by the NBI and PDEA.
"In this significant operation, law enforcement agencies successfully apprehended P3.6 billion worth of shabu, delivering a major blow to drug trafficking,” Ugay said.
“The collaborative efforts of our dedicated teams, commencing with the BOC and CAIDTF, and notably the NBI and the PDEA, underscore our commitment to combatting the illegal drug trade and safeguarding our communities," he added.
Under the guidance of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the agency continues to demonstrate its determination in fulfilling President Marcos' directives to strengthen border protection capabilities and prevent the entry of illegal drugs and other hazardous substances into the country.