In a significant drug bust, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Clark successfully intercepted a shipment containing shabu valued at PHP10.2 million. The drugs were cleverly hidden within four aluminum tubes, which were part of a consignment declared as a ‘Black Vinyl Window Made Out of PVC’ from the United States.
The operation unfolded when the shipment was flagged for a detailed inspection on January 19, 2025, based on preliminary document checks. The following day, upon the shipment’s arrival, an x-ray scan conducted by the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) detected anomalies, prompting a thorough physical examination.
During the inspection, authorities discovered a black vinyl window with tempered glass, inside which the four aluminum tubes filled with shabu were concealed. The total weight of the seized drugs was approximately 1.5 kg.
The seizure was a collaborative effort involving the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office III, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group III, the National Bureau of Investigation-Pampanga, and local barangay officials from Dau.
Port of Clark District Collector Jairus Reyes emphasized the importance of this operation, stating, ‘This successful operation highlights our dedication in safeguarding our borders through increased vigilance and close cooperation with our partner agencies.’
Following the discovery, a warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment, citing violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863) and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).