CLARK FREEPORT – Packages labeled as “car parts” and “industrial pistons” yielded P64.9-million worth of shabu upon interdiction by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, here.
BOC-Clark said the packages came in three shipments from separate origins and bound for different destinations.
The shipment declared as “Industrial Pistons” arrived from India on May 25 and was bound for Camarines Sur yielded some 6,800 grams of suspected shabu worth P4.2 million hidden inside pistons during examination on May 26.
Bound for Cavite, a shipment from Liberia declared as “Car Parts” that arrived on May 20 was discovered with approximately 432 grams worth P2.9 million concealed inside wheel hubs during examination on May 25.
Arriving from Africa on May 22 and bound for Angeles City, a shipment declared as “Green Square Plastic Resin” yielded approximately 8,500 grams worth P57.8 million hidden inside resin materials during examination on May 25.
Initial testing using a Rigaku Spectrometer confirmed the substances as methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. Samples from each parcel were submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for confirmatory testing.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipments for violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l)(3) and (4) of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), in relation to RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).
“Our airports remain among the most vulnerable entry points for illegal drugs and other prohibited goods. That is why I commend the Port of Clark, together with other airports under the Bureau’s jurisdiction, for their vigilance, professionalism, and sustained efforts in detecting and intercepting these shipments before they reach our communities,” enthused Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, noting that air cargo and express parcels remain common channels for smuggling attempts.
For his part, BOC-Clark district collector Jairus S. Reyes commended the sustained vigilance and operational readiness of Customs personnel and partner agencies in combating drug smuggling.
“Drug smuggling schemes continue to evolve, but our frontline personnel remain equally adaptive and vigilant. Through strengthened coordination, sharper profiling, and relentless monitoring, the Port of Clark remains committed to stopping these dangerous substances before they reach our communities,” he added. Punto News Team/BOC-Clark