The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Cebu, stopped a South African national from smuggling P27 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or ‘shabu’ at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno was present at the airport during the operation and personally inspected the seized items.
Nepomuceno acknowledged the strong efforts of the Port of Cebu, its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service, and X-ray Inspection Project, whose coordinated actions led to the successful operation.
“The BOC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the Filipino people from the threats posed by illegal drugs and uphold border security across all ports of entry.”
He stressed the BOC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the Filipino people from the threats posed by illegal drugs and uphold border security across all ports of entry.
On September 18, 2025, the passenger arrived aboard a flight from South Africa via Hong Kong. During arrival screening at the International Arrival Area, Terminal 2 of MCIA, the passenger’s luggage was flagged for further inspection.
The baggage underwent profiling and non-intrusive examination by Customs personnel, which revealed suspicious x-ray images. The items were endorsed for further verification, where a K-9 sweep signaled the possible presence of illegal drugs.
The contraband weighed approximately four (4) kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₱27 million.
A subsequent physical examination confirmed the discovery of two packs containing white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or ‘Shabu,’ concealed inside the passenger’s luggage. The contraband weighed approximately four (4) kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₱27 million.
Field tests conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Laboratory confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine hydrochloride.
“We will continue to strengthen our detection and enforcement measures to ensure that our ports do not become entry points for these dangerous substances,” Nepomuceno stressed, underscoring the BOC’s resolve to safeguard the country’s borders.
