Balikbayan boxes with P749-million shabu seized in Manila

National

AUTHORITIES confiscated over 110 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of P749 million, at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo on Monday, July 7.

The illegal drugs were discovered during a joint inspection by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC) at Container Facility Station 3. The operation targeted four balikbayan boxes that had arrived from California, USA, a report by ABS-CBN said.

Upon inspection, officials uncovered 106 vacuum-sealed packs containing white crystalline substances hidden inside packages of cereal, snacks, and instant noodles. Initial tests confirmed the substance as methamphetamine hydrochloride.

The balikbayan boxes carefully packed to resemble typical overseas packages were addressed to recipients located in Mandaluyong and Quezon City.

Although no arrests have been made yet, authorities are now tracing the origins of the shipment and investigating possible local connections.

PDEA Director-General Usec. Atty. Isagani Nerez emphasized the importance of agency collaboration in stopping drug smuggling at the country’s ports.

“This interdiction is the result of constant vigilance and close coordination among our agencies. Every time we stop illegal drugs at our ports, we protect countless families and communities from their harmful effects,” he said.

He also underscored their ongoing commitment to intercept all forms of contraband, including those concealed in cargo or parcels.(Jeanette Arinque/HNU Comm Intern)