Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has secured a conviction against three people involved in a major drug smuggling case amounting to almost PHP1 billion seven years ago.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Manila Regional Trial Court found Muktasil Abundol Assimudin, Emmanuel Paulo Delos Reyes Landicho, and George Sim Fernandez guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in a ruling dated Dec. 9, 2025.

The court sentenced the individuals to reclusion perpetua and imposed a fine of PHP50,000,00. The case originated from the seizure of approximately 146.81 kg of illegal drugs, with an estimated value of PHP998,306,096, which arrived at the Manila International Container Port in January 2019.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated, "The conviction of those behind this massive drug shipment demonstrates that our enforcement and legal processes are working. We will continue to pursue every case until justice is fully upheld."