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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider P292.4-M shabu hidden in 'talc stones' seized at Manila port

P292.4-M shabu hidden in 'talc stones' seized at Manila port

Published Aug 23, 2026 11:29 am

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized around 43 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P292.4 million hidden in a shipment declared as talc stones from Afghanistan at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Photos courtesy of Bureau of Customs (BOC)
Photos courtesy of Bureau of Customs (BOC)

The two 20-foot containers were subjected to a 100% physical examination following risk profiling and monitoring of high-risk shipments, the BOC said.

During the inspection, authorities discovered suspected illegal drugs concealed inside fabric pouches coated with a plaster-like material and designed to resemble talc stones, allowing them to blend with the shipment’s declared contents.

Laboratory testing of representative samples later confirmed the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, according to the BOC.

Authorities also noted similarities between the shipment and an earlier Afghanistan-linked container intercepted at the MICP on Feb. 10, 2026.

The earlier shipment was declared as marble but was found to contain around 40 kilograms of dangerous drugs worth P272 million, the BOC said.

BOC Commissioner Nepomuceno said the latest seizure highlights the importance of strict risk profiling and monitoring of high-risk shipments.

“Ang operasyong ito ay patunay na effective ang mahigpit na profiling at risk management ng Bureau of Customs (This operation proves the effectiveness of the Bureau of Customs’ strict profiling and risk management),” Nepomuceno said.

He also credited the PDEA for its role in the operation.

The inspection was jointly conducted by the PDEA and BOC through the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIS), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) and other concerned units.

The BOC said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen border controls and prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.

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