(UPDATE) Customs seize 40 kg illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Authorities have seized 40 kg of high-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride, sent from Hong Kong, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said today.

The confiscated methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth) has an estimated street value of at least P400 million ($8.94 million), Customs said, adding that the consignee of the illegal cargo was arrested today after claiming it.

The illegal drug was hidden inside a water pump that was sent through air cargo from Hong Kong Dec. 28, 2014.

The crystal meth was discovered following derogatory information received by the Customs' Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force.

The illegal drug haul was turned-over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, BOC added.