Authorities have uncovered a new method of smuggling illegal drugs into the Philippines after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intercepted around 43 kilograms of shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, worth approximately ₱292.4 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The shipment, reportedly originating from Afghanistan, was concealed inside talc stones in an apparent attempt to make the illegal drugs blend with the legitimate cargo.
According to Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the operation involved two containers carrying 4,926 pieces of stone-like materials. The shabu was hidden inside fabric pouches that were covered with plaster of Paris and made to resemble genuine talc stones.
“Narinig nyo yung talc, talcum powder... Mga ginagamit nito sa cosmetics. Meron din nga iba't ibang pwede paggamitan. At ito ay kung hindi magaling ang ating mga tauhan at sistema mahirap itong malaman,” Nepomuceno said.
He said the seized shipment contained 43 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of ₱292.4 million.
“Ang halaga nito ay hindi bababa sa P292 million. 2 containers na ang laman nito ay 4,926 pieces yung mga parang bato. 43 kilos at isiniksik dito sa parang bato, yung talc stone, isiniksik yung shabu, methamphetamine,” Nepomuceno said.
Nepomuceno described the concealment technique as a new modus used to smuggle illegal drugs into the country. He noted that the shipment was connected to a legitimate company, which allegedly attempted to bring the contraband into the Philippines alongside its lawful cargo.
The joint BOC-PDEA operation highlights the challenges faced by authorities in detecting illegal drugs concealed in ordinary commercial shipments, particularly when the packaging and appearance of the contraband are designed to closely resemble legitimate goods.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify those responsible for the shipment and determine the extent of the smuggling operation.
