BOC: P10.6-M ‘shabu’ intercepted at Clark port

Bureau of Customs and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency officers conduct an inventory of P10.6 million worth of suspected shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride intercepted at the Port of Clark in Pampanga, the BOC reported on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. — Photo from BOC MANILA, Philippines — Crystal meth or shabu worth P10.696 million and concealed in a shipment declared as wedding dresses was intercepted at the Port of Clark in Pampanga, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday. According to a BOC report, authorities discovered and seized the suspected illegal drugs after receiving derogatory information about the shipment, which was declared as “wedding dress” and shipped from Mexico City, Mexico to Mandaluyong City. After undergoing customs X-ray scanning, the shipment showed suspicious images, prompting authorities to conduct a full physical examination. Article continues after this advertisement READ: Bureau of Customs – Clark intercepts P33.9-M shabu from Africa, US Upon further examination, the BOC discovered 1.573 kilograms of alleged shabu in four plastic pouches concealed inside the cardboard sidewalls of the box containing the wedding dress. Initial screenings found no contraband in the wedding dress itself. However, X-ray scans and the carton’s unusual weight prompted authorities to conduct a further inspection. “Smugglers are becoming more resourceful, and sometimes, at first glance, there seems to be nothing suspicious about a shipment. That is why we cannot afford to be complacent — our Customs officers must remain sharp, thorough, and ready to check beyond what is immediately visible,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said. Nepomuceno also emphasized the importance of maintaining thorough checks as concealment methods become increasingly sophisticated. Article continues after this advertisement The alleged contraband was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Clark for laboratory analysis and testing. The BOC said authorities issued a warrant of seizure and detention for the shipment for violations of Section 1113(l)(3), (4) and (5) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 9165, as amended. — Martina Nieyandra Calica, INQUIRER.net trainee /das Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.