BOC on alert over ‘shabu’ chemicals shipment at CDO port

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has put on alert four 20-footer container vans loaded with chemicals believed to be essential in the manufacturing of methamphetamine hydrochloride otherwise known as shabu at the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) port. (Photo: Henry Mühlpfordt/Flickr)

MANILA—The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has put on alert four 20-footer container vans loaded with chemicals believed to be essential in the manufacturing of methamphetamine hydrochloride otherwise known as shabu at the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) port.

According to Customs Spokesperson Neil Estrella, a warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) is being processed against the shipment consigned to a certain Juchem, based in Butuan.

“There are four 20-footer containers which arrived without importation permit. May karga hydrochloric acid. This kind of chemical is believed to be essential in the manufacture of shabu,” he said.

But he did not give the amount of the cargo which arrived in the country last Jan. 31 from India.

The BOC official added that they will investigate the consignee if it has connection to drug manufacturing, noting that the company should have secured an import permit for the shipment.

“Dapat sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency/Bureau of Food and Drugs sila humingi ng permit para sa shipment nila,” Estrella said.

He noted that they will start the investigation on the nature of the company once the WSD on the shipment has been issued.