Massive Customs Seizure of Shabu in Balikbayan Boxes
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) successfully intercepted a shipment containing P476 million worth of shabu hidden inside three balikbayan boxes. The boxes were seized at a warehouse located in Vitas, Tondo, Manila, officials reported.
The shipment originated from Long Beach, California, United States, and was consigned to a residential address in Bacoor City, Cavite. Authorities revealed that the contraband consisted of 70 packs weighing approximately 70 kilograms in total.
Detailed Breakdown of Seized Contraband
According to sources, the first balikbayan box contained 24 kilograms of shabu concealed inside a small box and a backpack. The second backpack held another 27 kilograms, while the third box included 19 kilograms mixed with personal items and canned goods.
Customs examiners discovered the illegal substances after conducting thorough x-ray screenings and inspections of two shipping containers, which were declared as household products. Community members noted that this careful inspection was part of routine procedures rather than intelligence-led operations.
Standard Procedures Lead to Major Discovery
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized, “This seizure was not the result of an intelligence report. It was made through the procedures we conduct as a matter of standard operating procedure.”
He also pointed out that shipments originating from the southern United States are classified as “high risk” due to previous smuggling activities in the region. This classification triggers heightened scrutiny of such shipments.
Legal Actions and Holiday Season Concerns
Authorities are preparing to file charges under Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and RA No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Officials stressed the importance of enforcing these laws to deter similar attempts.
As the Christmas season approaches, the BOC anticipates a surge in balikbayan box shipments. Nepomuceno warned about the abuse of the system through misdeclaration of contents and reassured the public, saying, “We assure our fellow Filipinos that we handle the opening of their balikbayan boxes with care, as we understand that these were earned through their hard work.”
For more news and updates on customs seizures and drug interdiction, visit Filipinokami.com.
