Authorities intercepted ₱496.413 million worth of shabu weighing 73.002 kilograms hidden inside industrial machinery from Guadalajara, Mexico, following the drug operation led by the Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), preventing a major shipment of illegal drugs from entering the country.
The shipment arrived in the country on September 26, 2026, and was flagged following derogatory intelligence received, indicating the possible presence of dangerous drugs.
An Alert Order was subsequently issued, prompting a thorough examination of the shipment at a Warehouse in Pasay City.
During X-ray scanning, Customs authorities detected suspicious images within the tubular frames of the pelletizing machine. A K9 Unit sweep conducted by the PDEA further indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs, prompting Customs examiners to proceed with a physical examination.
Upon inspection of the tubular portions of the machine, authorities recovered multiple packages containing a white crystalline substance weighing a total of 73,002 grams. The field testing conducted yielded a positive result for methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin Obillos-Mapa said the interception highlights the importance of vigilance and close coordination among Customs units and partner law enforcement agencies, particularly as smugglers employ increasingly sophisticated concealment methods.
“Every shipment that raises a red flag will be subjected to the necessary scrutiny. This operation shows that even drugs concealed deep inside machinery can be detected through strong intelligence, technology, and coordinated enforcement. We will continue strengthening our safeguards to prevent illegal drugs from passing through our borders,” Obillos-Mapa said.
“Even drugs concealed deep inside machinery can be detected through strong intelligence, technology, and coordinated enforcement.”
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that the seizure sends a strong warning to individuals and groups attempting to use legitimate cargo as cover for drug smuggling.
“Smugglers may change their routes, methods, and concealment techniques, but our resolve remains the same. We will find these illegal shipments, stop them at the border, and work with our partner agencies to hold those responsible accountable. Hindi makakalusot ang ilegal na droga sa ating mga pantalan at paliparan,” Nepomuceno stressed.
“We will find these illegal shipments, stop them at the border, and work with our partner agencies to hold those responsible accountable.”
The operation was conducted through the coordinated efforts of BOC-NAIA, PDEA, CAIDTF, Enforcement and Security Service, X-ray Inspection Project, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.
In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and smuggling, the BOC will continue strengthening intelligence-driven enforcement and pursuing appropriate legal action against those responsible for the illegal shipment in coordination with PDEA and other partner agencies.
