Photo courtesy of BOC- Port of Clark
Authorities at the Port of Clark intercepted around 925 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated P6.29 million concealed inside water pressure equipment shipped from the United States and bound for Taytay, Rizal.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the shipment was flagged during X-ray inspection after personnel detected suspicious images inside the declared equipment.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency later conducted a K-9 sweep, which indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs.
A full physical examination led to the discovery of a plastic package wrapped in duct tape and hidden inside the equipment. The package contained a white crystalline substance weighing about 925 grams.
Photo courtesy of BOC- Port of Clark
Initial screening using a spectrometer indicated the presence of methamphetamine, according to Customs.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the interception highlighted the importance of combining inspection technology with the vigilance and training of frontline personnel.
Authorities issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The operation was carried out by the BOC-Port of Clark in coordination with PDEA and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs as part of continuing efforts to block the entry of illegal drugs through the country’s ports.