Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have successfully uncovered approximately 43 kilograms of suspected shabu, valued at PHP292.4 million, at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The illegal drugs were hidden within fabric pouches designed to resemble talc stones in a shipment originating from Afghanistan.

According to Philippines News Agency, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno conducted an inspection of the illicit drugs on Thursday. The shipment, which consisted of two 20-foot containers, underwent a comprehensive 100 percent physical examination. This procedure was part of the Bureau's stringent measures for profiling and monitoring high-risk shipments. Subsequent confirmatory laboratory tests on representative samples verified the presence of shabu.

Authorities have identified similarities with a previous container linked to Afghanistan, which was intercepted at the MICP on February 10. This earlier container was declared as "marble" but was later found to contain about 40 kilograms of dangerous drugs, valued at PHP272 million.

Commissioner Nepomuceno underscored the importance of risk management and vigilant border controls in intercepting illegal drugs. "This operation proves the effectiveness of the Bureau of Customs' rigorous profiling and risk management. By closely monitoring high-risk shipments and identifying recurring smuggling patterns, we further strengthen our ability to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country," he stated.