BOC seizes P5.5 million in shabu hidden in toys

The Bureau of Customs intercepted a shipment containing 816 grams of shabu worth approximately P5.5 million at the Port of Clark.

The package, sent from Los Angeles, California, and bound for Cagayan de Oro City, was flagged by customs authorities following a tip-off from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

A thorough inspection revealed vacuum-sealed pouches of the illegal drug hidden inside 10 toys, including a surprise egg toy and nine kinetic sand toys.

The seized substance was sent to PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed it as shabu, a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).

Authorities issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violating multiple provisions of Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) in relation to the Anti-Drug Law.

The operation involved the Port of Clark Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, in coordination with the PNP-Aviation Security Group, NBI-Pampanga, DOJ, and Barangay Dau officials in Mabalacat City. — DVM, GMA Integrated News