In line with the marching orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the national campaign against illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Clark International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Group (CRK-IADIG), apprehended two individuals linked to the smuggling of 11.04 kilograms of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or “shabu,” with an estimated value of ₱75,072,000.
The illegal drugs were concealed inside a shipment declared as “Industrial Water Chiller” originating from Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, and bound for Cainta, Rizal.
The parcel arrived on August 26, 2025, and was immediately subjected to X-ray scanning and K-9 inspection after the Bureau received derogatory information from PDEA.
Both inspections yielded positive results, prompting a full physical examination of the shipment.
Authorities uncovered one (1) plastic cylinder wrapped in Lead Shield containing a white crystallized substance hidden inside the chiller unit.
Laboratory testing confirmed it to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165.
“This operation sends a clear message that the Bureau of Customs will never let its guard down against illegal drugs,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
“Our commitment to protect the Filipino people remains firm.”
“Our commitment to protect the Filipino people remains firm, and we will continue to work closely with our partner agencies to stop the entry of these dangerous substances at all costs,” Nepumuceno added.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued by District Collector Jairus Reyes against the subject shipment for violation of Section 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 par. f, I, and l (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in relation to R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
“Beyond seizures, our priority is to prevent these harmful substances from reaching our communities.”
Reyes praised the vigilance and coordination of frontline officers, stating, “The Port of Clark continues to be on high alert. Beyond seizures, our priority is to prevent these harmful substances from reaching our communities.”
On August 30, 2025, an Airport Interdiction Operation conducted by BOC-Clark, PDEA, and CRK-IADIG operatives resulted in the arrest of two male claimants, aged 52 and 54, who attempted to retrieve the parcel at the warehouse.
The suspects are now under the custody of PDEA Region III and will face appropriate charges under R.A. No. 9165.
