Shabu worth P1.36B from Laos seized at Manila port — PDEA

Authorities seized some 200 kilograms of shabu worth P1.36 billion from a shipment originating from Laos at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in North Harbor, Manila on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the illegal drugs were found in plastic bags inside cardboard boxes, which were left unclaimed for days.

"The illegal drugs, concealed in 200 vacuum-sealed plastic bags inside 50 cardboard boxes, originated from Laos," PDEA said.

"The seizure comes amid heightened regional efforts against transnational drug trafficking, following the interception of 521 kilograms of shabu in Laos," it added.

This operation was conducted by joint operatives of the PDEA, Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Philippine National Police (PNP).

PDEA said it received intelligence from foreign counterparts in September 2026 regarding a suspected drug shipment bound for the Philippines.

At a press conference, PDEA Deputy Director General for Operations Renato Gumban said the information was received on September 25 from Vietnam's Anti-Narcotics Police Department.

The shipment reportedly traveled from Laos to Haiphong in Vietnam, before heading to Hong Kong. The container van was transferred to another vessel in Hong Kong before being shipped to the Philippines.

On October 6, the container arrived at Manila North Harbor and underwent X-ray examination, canine inspection, and testing using a Raman spectrometer eight days later.

The tests yielded positive results for shabu.

"After the prescribed period lapsed without anyone claiming the shipment, the cargo underwent abandonment proceedings and was subsequently opened, resulting in the discovery and confiscation of the illegal drugs," PDEA said.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez said the seizure shows the importance of intelligence-sharing and coordination with international counterparts.

"This significant seizure demonstrates the importance of intelligence-sharing and close coordination with our international counterparts," Nerez said.

"Following the shabu seizure in Laos, this operation further highlights the need for stronger regional cooperation to prevent drug syndicates from exploiting international shipping routes to bring illegal drugs into our country," he added.

PDEA said backtracking is being conducted to identify the consignee and other individuals behind the shipment.

Those involved may face charges for importation of dangerous drugs under Section 4, Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — VDV, GMA News