Manila:An interagency operation successfully intercepted approximately 200 kilos of suspected shabu valued at PHP1.36 billion at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) North Harbor, Manila. The operation took place on Wednesday and involved personnel from multiple agencies.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Philippine National Police (PNP) collaborated to inspect the suspected drugs. These were concealed within stacks of cardboard inside a 40-foot container at the MICP.
The illegal drugs were hidden in 200 vacuum-sealed plastic bags, which were placed inside 50 cardboard boxes. PDEA Assistant Secretary Renato Gumban stated that the operation originated from intelligence information provided by the Vietnam Anti-Narcotics Police Department. The shipment had passed through Haiphong, Vietnam, before being sent to Hong Kong and then transferred to another ship bound for Manila.
The PDEA Intelligence Service shared crucial information about the shipment with the BOC Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, enabling them to track the shipment before its arrival in the Philippines. Upon its arrival in the country, the cargo underwent mandatory X-ray scanning and physical inspection, where the substances tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride in an initial field test.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla highlighted the importance of agency cooperation and intelligence exchange with ASEAN countries, noting that the task continues beyond the seizure, requiring tracing the source and investigating those involved in the shipment's logistics.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno announced plans to coordinate with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group to trace the shipment's route, origin, and identify other participants in the smuggling attempt. He emphasized the ongoing commitment to secure the streets from illegal drugs, as ordered by President Bongbong Marcos, and outlined the strategy of monitoring potential entry points for illicit substances.
District Collector Felipe Geoffrey De Vera IV of the MICP vowed to enhance the surveillance of incoming cargo. This will include thorough inspections and rapid information sharing with partner agencies to prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities.
