Customs seizes mail-order shabu

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently seized at least 15 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with a street value of P100,000, which was mailed to a post office in Makati City.

BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Postal Unit chief Alvin Enciso said an informant alerted them last Dec. 27 that illegal drugs would be sent through the mail.

The shabu, which was found wrapped in tissue paper and placed in an envelope, was misdeclared as a pendant. The envelope reportedly came from the United Kingdom.

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the packet contained a low-grade shabu, which can be sold for P7,000 per gram.

“PDEA believes that the shabu was only for personal use. The addressee might have been receiving packages from the sender for the last five months,” Enciso said.

He said a mailman of the Philippine Postal Corp. came to pick up the package “for someone who lives in his area of delivery.”

No arrests were made pending background investigation on the addressee, who is a resident of Makati City, and the mailman.

Enciso said parcels that are not supported by clearances and permits from government agencies are also being monitored.