CLARK FREEPORT – The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark in coordination with the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency recently intercepted 816 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P5,548,800 hidden in a shipment of toys that originated from Los Angeles, California and bound for Cagayan de Oro City.
Derogatory information on the shipment provided by PDEA led BOC authorities to examine 10 pieces of toys —one surprise egg toy and nine kinetic sand toys—which yielded vacuum-sealed pouches containing a white crystalline substance, suspected to be illegal narcotics.
Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the substance as indeed shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), classified as a dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), as amended.
A warrant of seizure and detention will be issued against the shipment for violating Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), in relation to RA 9165.
BOC-Clark district collector Jairus S. Reyes hailed BOC’s strong partnerships with other law enforcement agencies such as PDEA in enhancing national security and preventing the smuggling of illegal drugs and contraband.
This, as Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the importance of strengthening border protection and preventing illicit trade, thereby enhancing national security and safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino people.
He also underscored the BOC’s firm resolve in fulfilling its mandate of collecting lawful revenues while ensuring that the welfare and safety of the Filipino people remain a top priority. BOC-Clark
