AUTHORITIES have intercepted a massive shipment of illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port in North Harbor, seizing approximately 200 kilograms of shabu valued at ₱1.36 billion.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed the haul, stating the narcotics were concealed in 200 vacuum‑sealed plastic bags tucked inside 50 cardboard boxes that had remained unclaimed for several days. The shipment originated from Laos and followed an elaborate transit route before reaching Philippine shores.
The container van arrived at Manila North Harbor on October 6 and underwent rigorous inspection procedures, including X‑ray scanning, canine detection, and chemical testing using a Raman spectrometer eight days later. Laboratory analysis confirmed the substance was shabu.
With no one claiming the cargo within the prescribed period, abandonment proceedings were initiated, leading to the formal opening of the shipment and the recovery of the illegal drugs. The operation was carried out jointly by PDEA, the Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine National Police.
Intelligence leading to the interception traced the shipment’s journey from Laos to Haiphong, Vietnam, then to Hong Kong where it was transferred to another vessel bound for the Philippines. PDEA received critical information from Vietnam’s Anti‑Narcotics Police Department on September 25 regarding the incoming consignment. This seizure follows closely on the heels of the recovery of 521 kilograms of shabu in Laos, underscoring the growing threat of transnational drug trafficking across the region.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez emphasized that the successful operation was a direct result of strong international cooperation and intelligence sharing. “This significant seizure demonstrates the importance of intelligence‑sharing and close coordination with our international counterparts,” Nerez stated. Investigators are now conducting a full backtracking probe to identify the consignee and all individuals behind the smuggling attempt. Those found responsible face charges of importation of dangerous drugs under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
metrosundaily
