Joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine National Police (PNP) seized approximately 200 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, worth P1.36 billion at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in North Harbor, Manila, on Nov. 4, 2026.
The illegal drugs, concealed in 200 vacuum-sealed plastic bags inside 50 cardboard boxes, originated from Laos.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said the seizure highlighted the importance of intelligence-sharing and cooperation with international law enforcement agencies in preventing transnational drug trafficking.
PDEA received intelligence from foreign counterparts in September 2026 about a suspected drug shipment bound for the Philippines.
The container arrived at Manila North Harbor on Oct. 6, 2026. Eight days later, authorities subjected it to X-ray examination, K9 inspection and testing using a Raman spectrometer. The examinations yielded positive results for shabu.
After the prescribed period passed without anyone claiming the shipment, the cargo underwent abandonment proceedings. Authorities subsequently opened the container and discovered the illegal drugs.
The seizure followed the interception of 521 kilograms of shabu in Laos, highlighting regional efforts against cross-border drug trafficking.
PDEA is conducting backtracking investigations to identify the shipment’s consignee and other individuals involved.
Those responsible may face prosecution under Section 4, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the importation of dangerous drugs.
Authorities said the operation demonstrated the importance of coordinated enforcement efforts in preventing international shipping routes from being exploited by drug syndicates.
