By Ferdinand Patinio

BUSTED. The PHP6.7 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, intercepted by Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday (June 2, 2025). BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio on Thursday (June 5) said the successful operation was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the national campaign against illegal drugs and reinforce border security. (Photo courtesy of BOC)

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted earlier this week a shipment containing methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP6.72 million.

In a news release on Thursday, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the illegal drugs, weighing 988.5 grams, were discovered on Monday during an inspection at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

Rubio said the contraband were misdeclared as “ladies wear and bags.”

District collector lawyer Yasmin Mapa said the claimant of the shipment was arrested and turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for criminal prosecution for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

Rubio said the operation was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the national campaign against illegal drugs and reinforce border security.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard the nation’s borders and protect our communities from the dangers posed by illegal drugs,” he said. (PNA)