P476-M shabu shipment seized in balikbayan boxes from Long Beach

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs intercepted an estimated 70 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride — locally known as “shabu” — worth P476 million at a courier warehouse in Vitas, Tondo.

The bureau said in a statement Wednesday, September 3 that the seizure took place Tuesday, September 2. It was after X-ray scans of two container vans declared as “household goods and personal effects” showed unusual images.

Customs examiners then conducted a physical inspection supported by K9 units, which confirmed the presence of illegal drugs.

The contraband was packed in 70 vacuum-sealed transparent plastic packs hidden inside three balikbayan boxes.

The shipment originated in Long Beach, California, and was consigned to a residential address in Bacoor City, Cavite, the bureau said.

The boxes contained 24 kilograms hidden inside a small box and a backpack, 27 kilograms in another box and a branded backpack mixed with canned goods, and 19 kilograms in a third box among assorted personal effects.

Misuse of balikbayan boxes. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno warned against misusing balikbayan boxes, calling them “a symbol of the sacrifice of overseas Filipinos.”

“We will continue to intensify coordination with partner agencies to prevent illegal substances from entering the country and ensure that violators face the full force of the law,” Nepomuceno said.

The bureau said charges are being prepared for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The operation was led by the bureau’s Intelligence and Enforcement Groups, the Port of Manila and the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.