BOC seizes P250M shabu hidden in imported light bulbs at NAIA

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized nearly P250 million worth of shabu concealed in imported light bulbs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). 

According to Marisol Abdurahman’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the shipment was declared as LED lights from Mexico.

An X-ray scan showed that the 180 light bulbs actually contained illegal drugs. 

“Through our X-ray machines, nothing can truly get past us. This is shabu that originated from Mexico,” said BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno. 

The shipments reportedly arrived on April 14 from Mexico, a country the BOC considers as a high-risk source.

Based on the address provided for the consignee, the cargo was destined for Valenzuela City. 

“It is subject to further investigation with the intent of eventually filing charges. We will proceed with filing a case once we have identified the actual target of this delivery,” said Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) National Capital Region (NCR) director Derrick Carreon. 

The BOC said this is their largest seizure at the NAIA to date.

An investigation is ongoing to identify the individuals involved in the operation. 

“This is also the first attempt we’ve seen using this specific method of hiding shabu or illegal drugs inside light fixtures,” Nepomuceno said. 

Since January, the value of seized illegal drugs has reached P3.2 billion after more than 220 anti-drug operations conducted by the BOC. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA News