As part of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted a parcel containing Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” valued at PhP111,112,000 on September 26, 2024.

The shipment, which originated from Mexico and was consigned to a recipient in Bulacan, was intercepted after being flagged for inspection. Authorities discovered the illegal drugs, concealed within wax and hidden in five hand-made cultural craft paintings, with a total weight of 16.34 kilograms. This method of smuggling drugs mixed with wax marks a new modus operandi aimed at evading detection.

The confiscated drugs were immediately turned over to PDEA for further investigation, and legal proceedings are underway against those involved, for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio praised BOC-NAIA for their vigilance, stating, “I congratulate BOC-NAIA for this successful operation and their quick response to this novel technique of concealment. The BOC remains relentless in its fight against illegal drugs and shall further heighten its border control measures to adopt to the new methods of smuggling.”

Under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, BOC-NAIA continues to intensify its operations against illegal drug trafficking and other customs fraud. #