BOC intercepts P292 million shabu stashed in talc stones

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) uncovered yesterday a new scheme in smuggling illegal drugs into the country after intercepting P292.4 million worth of shabu concealed in a shipment of talc stones from Afghanistan.

Nepomuceno said 43 kilos of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride were hidden in fabric pouches that were designed to resemble talc stones.

The illegal drugs, transported in two 20-footer shipping containers, were subjected to physical examination.

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service chief Joel Pinawen said the shipment arrived in Manila on March 28 as part of a “controlled delivery.”

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of shabu in the talc stones, the BOC said.

Nepomuceno said the seizure of the contraband was not the BOC’s biggest haul.

“But what is significant in this operation is that there is a new scheme in smuggling illegal drugs,” he said. “We were able to stop the entry of the contraband because we implemented protocols, intelligence capability, K9 units and risk profiling.”

Go on vacation,  smugglers told

Nepomuceno told drug smugglers to “go on vacation,” saying the BOC would be strict in monitoring shipments.

He also cited the BOC’s good working relationship with other law enforcement agencies such as the PDEA, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces, National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Coast Guard, in combating illegal drugs.

PDEA National Capital Region director Derrick Carreon said Afghanistan is part of the “Golden Crescent,” which is a major region for illegal drug production made up of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.

On Feb. 10, authorities confiscated at the MICP approximately 40 kilos of shabu declared as marbles with an estimated value of P272 million.