The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted a parcel containing approximately 9,898 grams of shabu (methamphetamine) with an estimated street value of P67,306,400.00 at the Paircargo Warehouse, Pasay City.

The shipment, which was declared as “bearing” originated from Mozambique, Southeastern Africa via Hong Kong through Ethiopian Airlines flight number ET644 which arrived on December 2, 2023.

The parcel underwent rigorous profiling, x-ray screening, and physical examination which led to the discovery of its concealment inside the bearings.

The composite team arrested the consignee, who allegedly was picking up the parcel for her partner she met online.

“The public is warned to be more aware of the variations of the love scam, where smugglers of illegal drugs use their Filipino partners to serve as couriers. Our laws are very clear that whoever is identified as the owner of the shipment remains under the pain of imprisonment if found to be in violation of the rules,” stressed Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.

The consignee will be prosecuted for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Anti-Illegal Drugs Act, and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“I commend the Port, under the leadership of District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa, and our partner agencies in their unwavering commitment to put an end to the proliferation of dangerous drugs in the country,” the Commissioner added.

The BOC, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s anti-illegal drug campaign, remains at the forefront in ensuring the protection of the country’s borders against the entry of illegal drugs and other prohibited goods.