The Philippine government will subject all shipments originating from Laos to stricter inspections following the seizure of approximately 200 kilograms of suspected shabu worth ₱1.36 billion.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the shipment passed through Hong Kong before arriving in Manila. Authorities will flag all incoming shipments from Laos to determine whether illegal drugs are concealed inside, including those transported through magnetic shipments.
The seized shipment was declared to contain cartons, but authorities discovered that the boxes had been drilled to conceal the illegal drugs.
Before the Manila seizure, more than 500 kilograms of suspected shabu were reportedly intercepted in Laos aboard a private chartered aircraft allegedly bound for the Philippines.
Remulla said obtaining supplies of illegal drugs has become more difficult, citing the rising price of shabu, which currently costs ₱6,800 per gram, compared with ₱3,800 per gram during the previous administration.
The secretary also questioned why drug seizures were seemingly absent during the previous six years and why illegal drugs were able to enter the country during that period.
