P90-million worth of shabu found in car mufflers — BOC

In a statement on Tuesday, February 12, the BOC said the shipment, which came from West Covina, California in the United States (U.S.) was seized last January 23. (Photo: Bureau of Customs PH/Facebook)

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted a shipment declared as muffler parts after they found an estimated P90-million worth of shabu (methamphetamine) inside it.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 12, the BOC said the shipment, which came from West Covina, California in the United States (U.S.) was seized last January 23. It arrived at the DHL Warehouse at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under airway bill no. 4223900144.

“The examination yielded 26 packages of shabu with an estimated street value of P90 million concealed inside three mufflers,” the bureau said.

“Records revealed that the subject parcel has a declared value of USD 500.00,” it added.

The BOC already turned over the 13.1 kilograms of shabu to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Tuesday.

“Further profiling and case build-up are being undertaken by PDEA for the institution of corresponding criminal case against the consignee and his cohorts,” it added.

The bureau said a total of 30 drug busts were recorded at the NAIA in the last 1o months with a total estimated street value of P364-million.

“This recent apprehension clearly manifests the unwavering commitment of the BOC to guard the country’s border against attempts to smuggle in dangerous drugs and other anti-social goods, in addition to its revenue collection efforts,” it noted.

This was not the first time BOC seized illegal drugs shipped from the U.S. In January, the agency seized P148.43-million worth of shabu, ecstasy, and marijuana hidden inside canned goods at the Port of Clark, Pampanga. The shipment came from California and Las Vegas, Nevada.