Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno inspected a container at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on July 17, 2025, following a report from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service–MICP.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized over 110 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu,” worth an estimated ₱749.6 million, following a thorough inspection of four concealed boxes.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the inspection of a consolidated shipment found to contain illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on July 17.
In particular, the BOC flagged a 40-foot container declared as balikbayan boxes and issued an Alert Order for inspection.
“Samples were immediately extracted and submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory testing. Laboratory results later confirmed that the recovered substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride,” the BOC reported.
As per the BOC, the confiscated illegal drugs will be turned over to the PDEA for further investigation, in line with violations of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA No. 9165) and Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA No. 10863).
The agency said that this operation, led by the Customs Intelligence & Investigation Services (CIIS) MICP, aligns with the administration’s vision “for a secure and safer Philippines, free from the dangers and health risks caused by narcotics.”
MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba credited the successful operation to improved profiling measures and strong coordination between enforcement agencies.
Following the seizure, Nepomuceno emphasized that the agency will continue to intensify its efforts against drug smuggling.
“We will not allow criminal elements to exploit balikbayan privileges and tarnish the trust of our overseas Filipinos. This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting the country and its people,” Nepomuceno.