BOC seizes P20M worth of shabu concealed as whey protein in NAIA

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday its operatives seized over P20 million worth of shabu concealed as whey protein supplements at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a news release, the BOC said its Port District of NAIA intercepted a shipment containing 3,028 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with an estimated street value of P20.59 million.

The Customs said, upon examination on March 25, the seized shabu were contained in plastic vacuum pouches and self-sealing white pouches labeled as “whey protein.”

“Noong na-X-ray 'yung sa image niya may suspicious. Pina-K9 siya o pinaamoy sa aso. Umupo 'yung aso which means may indication na positive kaya binuksan po siya,” said Jean Atibagos, officer-in-charge of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.

The claimant of the shipment was arrested and corresponding criminal case will be filed for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the BOC said.

“Nung clinaim niya binuksan na ni Examiner 'yung ano and then tinesting kit. Doon sa testing kit lumabas na metamphetamine,” Atibagos said.

The claimant denied that the shipment was for him saying an acquaintance just ordered him to get it and he was not aware that it was illegal drugs. He said that the person was with him but suddenly disappeared,

He also presented fake identification cards, which he claimed were given to him by the person who asked him to get the parcel..

“Dinala ko lang po 'yung ID na dalawa sabi sa akin ay lagyan ko lang daw ng picture tapos pagbalik niya naka-laminate na. Sabi niya sa akin o 'yan kunin mo na 'yan doon. Sabi ko ano ba 'to? Food supplement daw,” the suspect said.

He said he was promised P10,000 to get the parcel.

“The seizure is part of an ongoing operation to further fortify the country’s borders against the entry of illegal drugs,” said BOC-NAIA District Collector YasminMapa.

For his part, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said: “The BOC will not tolerate such tactics, and ordered a nationwide intensified vigilance against substances disguised as health supplements.”—Ted Cordero/AOL, GMA Integrated News