The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) has intercepted a shipment containing nearly P6.72 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, during an inspection earlier this week.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said on Thursday that the illegal drugs, weighing 988.5 grams, were discovered early last week at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City. The package had been misdeclared as containing “ladies wear and bags.”
Following the discovery, District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa confirmed that the shipment’s claimant was arrested and turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for criminal prosecution. The suspect may face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
Rubio emphasized that the successful interdiction is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the country’s anti-drug campaign and border protection.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard the nation’s borders and protect our communities from the dangers posed by illegal drugs,” he said.