Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic, in collaboration with other government agencies, successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle narcotics valued at P3.8 billion, contained in 530 one-kilogram-pack each of methamphetamine.
The operation, implemented together with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ), was initiated following an intelligence report.
These substances were concealed in a 40-foot container, originally declared to contain 881 bags of animal feed from Thailand.
Ocular check
On Thursday, September 21, the port issued a pre-lodgement control order against the shipment and underwent x-ray scanning. This raised suspicions and had to be physically examined.
Led by District Collector Ciriaco Ugay, his team was accompanied by representatives from the NBI, PDEA, DOJ, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, and PDEA K9 Handlers, in the ocular check.
Samples were extracted and promptly handed over to the PDEA for chemical analysis.
Drug trafficking
The results confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, commonly known as shabu, categorized as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165.
In response to these findings, Ugay promptly issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention on Saturday, September 23, for violations of Section 4 of RA 9165, also referred to as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Sections 118 (g) and 119 (d) of RA 10863 (CMTA), in connection with Section 1113(f) of RA 10863, also recognized as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The seized drugs were immediately handed over to the PDEA, followed by the execution of a controlled delivery operation by the NBI and PDEA.
Under the leadership of Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the BOC remains resolute in adhering to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s directives to bolster border protection capabilities and prevent the entry of illegal drugs and other dangerous substances into the country.
Photo by BOC
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