BOC seizes P749M shabu in balikbayan boxes

BOC operatives seized a shipment containing 110 kilograms of shabu concealed in four balikbayan boxes from California, USA at the Manila International Container Port on Thursday.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led the inspection of the container flagged for manual inspection due to suspicions of illegal drugs and noted it is the first time BOC seized shabu inside balikbayan boxes.

The estimated street value of the confiscated methamphetamine hydrochloride, confirmed by PDEA, is P749.63 million.

Officials believe syndicates are trying new ways to deliver illegal products, exploiting balikbayan privileges in an attempt to circumvent security measures.

BOC will turn over the shipment to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for further investigation under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Nepomuceno emphasized BOC's commitment to protecting the country and its people by ensuring overseas Filipinos' trust is not compromised.