BOC seizes P476-M worth of shabu from balikbayan boxes

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle approximately 70 kilograms of shabu, valued at nearly PHP 476 million, which were concealed within three balikbayan boxes found in a Tondo, Manila warehouse.

Customs chief Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the illegal drugs were discovered through x-ray scanning and subsequent physical examination supported by K9 units.

The shipment, originating from Long Beach, California, USA, was declared as household goods and personal effects but was found to contain the shabu hidden in various items across the three boxes.

The seized boxes contained varying amounts of shabu hidden in small boxes, backpacks, canned goods, and mixed with personal items.

Nepomuceno clarified that this seizure was not the result of an intelligence report but rather standard operating procedure.

He also noted that shipments from the southern United States are classified as 'high risk' due to flags for smuggling in some countries in the region.