Manila: Prosecutors have secured the conviction of three individuals charged before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) for their attempt to import 149 kilos of shabu worth nearly P1 billion, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Manila RTC Branch 21 on January 23 rendered judgment convicting the three accused for violation of Section 1401(g), in relation to Section 118(g), of Republic Act 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The court identified Muktasil Abundol Asimuddin, Emmanuel Paulo Delos Reyes, and George Fernandez as having indispensable participation in the importation of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu," which was concealed inside aluminum pallets carrying sacks of tapioca starch.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the shipment, abandoned in early 2019, contained aluminum pallets used to hold the sacks, which served as containers for the concealed illegal drugs.

The 148.8 kilos of shabu, valued at PHP998.3 million, were discovered after the winning bidder at the auction noticed white powder falling from one of the aluminum pallets while it was being lifted by a forklift.

The accused were charged with importation of dangerous drugs by means of false and fraudulent invoice declarations concerning the true kind, nature, quality, and quantity of the shipment.

The court sentenced each of the accused to reclusion perpetua and imposed a fine of PHP50 million.

The prosecution panel included Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Jane Sytat, Assistant State Prosecutor Magelli Anne DL Diaz, Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Grace Pulido-Sadian, and Prosecution Attorney Eugene Yusi.