THE Manila International Container Port (MICP) said Customs agents impounded a shipment of meat jerky after it was found concealing 323 kilograms of suspected crystal meth or “shabu” on October 4.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the shipment of meat jerky came from Mexico and arrived in MICP on February 24 but no one came to claim it until a Pre-Lodgement Control Order (PLCO) against it was issued on September 29.
The order, which prevented the shipment from getting out of MICP, was released after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received “derogatory information” on the cargo. A shipment with PLCO is considered smuggled and believed to contain illegal goods.
Authorities said the shipment was consigned to a certain Salesbeat Within OPC by Logistica Integral Aduanal Meyma and Aime Express Logistics SA DE CV.
The BOC said the cargo was scanned through an x-ray and physically checked on October 4 in the presence of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), among others. During inspection, the shipment was discovered to contain approximately P2.2 billion worth of the illegal drug that were hidden inside the laminated packaging of beef jerky.
Deputy Commissioner for Customs Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy and District Collector Romeo Rosales assured the public that the bureau will continue monitoring borders to stop any attempt to smuggle in illegal substances.
“Our officers continue their dedication to our border security mission, which led to this latest shabu interception. Their drive, vigilance, and alertness on a daily basis made this operation possible. We remain committed in keeping our communities safe from these narcotics while also facilitating lawful entries of goods,” Rosales said.
