THE Bureau of Customs-Port of Cebu-Subport of Mactan intercepted at least 17 kilos of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with an estimated value of P120 million at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) on February 1.
The Port officers received prior derogatory information about South African national carrying illegal drugs, arriving from Doha, Qatar via Qatar Airways on board Flight QR924.
Upon arrival, the passenger’s luggage underwent an x-ray inspection which yielded suspicious images prompting customs officers to perform a complete physical examination.
As a result, eight packs and two pouches of white crystalline substance concealed in two checked-in luggage and a clutch bag were discovered.
Initial tests conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed the packs to contain dangerous drugs.
The smuggled contraband was immediately turned over to the PDEA for case build-up and prosecution for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016.
“The Port of Cebu does not tolerate the smuggling of dangerous drugs that are a menace to the society. We keep our borders tight to ensure these do not slip past our jurisdiction,” said lawyer Elvira Cruz, district collector.
“The Bureau of Customs Subport of Mactan is committed to stop smuggling of dangerous drugs. They are a threat to our society and thus, must put an end to it. We continually intensify enforcement against illegal importations in our country.” said Subport Collector, Gerardo Campo.
Aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and in support of Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon L. Ruiz’s zero tolerance for drugs, the Port commits to remain vigilant and steadfast in preventing the entry of contraband and illegal substances.
