The Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark stopped an attempt to export P7.507 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride in a shipment declared as “shaft drive model” bound for New Zealand on January 3, 2024.

The export shipment originating from Parañaque City was initially tagged as suspicious by X-ray Inspection Project personnel. It immediately underwent K9 sniffing and physical examination, which resulted in the discovery of three packs of white crystalline substances weighing 1,104 grams concealed inside a shaft drive.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s chemical laboratory analysis confirmed that the substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165.

District Collector Erastus Sandino Austria issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the subject shipment for violation of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.

District Collector Austria commended Port of Clark personnel for preventing the exportation of said illicit substances. He underscored that the Port of Clark will maintain stringent customs controls and vigilant law enforcement to combat illegal drug trafficking.

The BOC under the stewardship of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio vowed to remain vigilant and ensure that intensified security measures are put in place as part of the Bureau’s continuing enhanced anti-illegal drug smuggling campaign.