The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, intercepted a shipment containing approximately 1,706 grams of suspected methamphetamine, or shabu, valued at ₱11.6 million.
The shipment came from South Africa and was declared as car parts intended for Angeles City, Pampanga, according to the Bureau of Customs.
Authorities became suspicious after an X-ray inspection showed unusual images in the shipment. The cargo also tested positive during a K-9 inspection.
A physical examination of the shipment led authorities to discover 17 packages of suspected shabu.
The packages were concealed inside two engine pistons and one tensioner pulley kit.
An initial test using a spectrometer also returned positive for methamphetamine.
Samples from the seized substance were subsequently submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for confirmatory examination.
The Bureau of Customs issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment.
The seizure was made in connection with alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The intercepted shipment contained an estimated 1,706 grams of suspected shabu with a stated value of ₱11,600,800.
The operation was carried out by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs.
Authorities continue the process of examining the seized samples through confirmatory testing.
The shipment had been declared as car parts before the suspected illegal drugs were discovered concealed inside the components during physical examination.
The seizure followed the X-ray and K-9 inspections that raised concerns about the contents of the shipment.
The BOC has placed the shipment under seizure and detention proceedings based on the reported violations.
