Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of ₱249.83 million worth of suspected shabu concealed in LED spotlights in Pasay City, reinforcing the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) sustained enforcement efforts in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and strengthen border protection.
The shipment, declared as LED spotlights and originating from Mexico, was consigned to an address in Metro Manila.
It was initially flagged following a non-intrusive inspection using X-ray Imaging (XIP), which revealed suspicious images inconsistent with the declared goods.
This prompted the immediate marking of the shipment for 100% physical examination and subsequent coordination for inspection at a warehouse facility in Pasay City.
The Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF) and the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) earlier conducted the full physical examination of the shipment. During the inspection, a K9 unit later indicated a positive result for suspected illegal drugs, prompting the opening of the cargo.
The inspection yielded white crystalline substances concealed within the LED spotlights.
Subsequent field testing conducted by the examiner in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed the substances to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or shabu, with a total weight of 36,740 grams and an estimated value of ₱249,832,000.
“We are committed to making sure that these dangerous drugs never reach our communities.”
“The BOC will keep pushing forward in stopping illegal shipments at our borders. We are committed to making sure that these dangerous drugs never reach our communities,” Nepomuceno said.
The customs chief added that the successful interception reflects the Bureau’s continued efforts to strengthen border controls and address vulnerabilities that allow the entry of illegal drugs.
He noted that the operation was made possible through tighter risk assessment, closer coordination among enforcement units, and strengthened cooperation with partner agencies.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Yasmin Obillos-Mapa described the seizure as a major accomplishment for the district, noting the scale and concealment method used.
“The interception demonstrates the effectiveness of profiling, X-ray inspection, and coordinated enforcement operations.”
Obillos-Mapa emphasized that the interception demonstrates the effectiveness of profiling, X-ray inspection, and coordinated enforcement operations in uncovering high-risk shipments disguised as legitimate goods.
The seized items are now under the custody of the BOC for proper documentation and turnover to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Appropriate criminal charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165), Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and other applicable laws will be filed against all persons found responsible, including importers, consignees, and other involved parties.
