Shabu hidden in boxes of vermicelli noodles and custards. Photo:NBI 

MANILA, Philippines – Anti-narcotics elements busted P2.7 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu concealed in boxes of vermicelli noodles and custards in an operation at the Manila South Harbor, the biggest drug bust so far in 2025. 

An intelligence report from foreign counterparts said that 404.9515 kilos of illegal drugs will be shipped to the Philippines in January from Karachi, Pakistan prompting the  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to immediately hatch a joint drug operation. 

Five suspects were arrested for the entry of illegal drugs in the country using layers of paperwork to hide the contraband among legitimate products.

Shabu hidden in boxes of vermicelli noodles and custards. Photo:NBI 

“Yung importation sinabi nila, dineclare nila na as cartons of vermicelli at custard but nakapasok ‘dun sa box ay itong mga shabu,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago said Thursday. 

The five were identified as: 

1. Oscar Campo Berba (Red Shinting/Consignee);
2. Kevin Lee Manuel Arrio (Customs Broker)
3. Richard Perlado Aguantor (Customs Broker)
4. Karen Villaflor Sacro (Chairman of the Freight Forwarding Company, Ark Global Movers) 
5. Rey Baysa Guhilde (President of the Freight Forwarding Company, Ark Global Movers)

“From consignee to broker, layering ang tawag namin dun para hindi agad namin matumbok kaya naman tumagal ang aming presentation sa inyo at kinuha pa namin ito isa-isa itong mga taong ito,” Santiago said.

The process of intercepting the suspects, according to Santiago, followed the requirements of the law. 

“They were already subpoenaed by our Customs, kasi bago ma-inspection itong mga ito, these people should be arrived, aside from the requirement of the law that there should be media people during inspection, there is a representative from the DOJ, or at least any elected official,” Santiago said. 

The NBI chief assured there is a tight case against the five suspects para hindi po tayo madidissmissan lamang ng kaso. 

In 2024, the DOJ introduced new rules streamlining criminal investigations where aside from probable cause, a prima facie evidence or face value evidence which would lead to certainty of conviction is now also required in filing cases.  

The suspects were all brought before the DOJ-National Prosecution Service for Inquest Proceedings for violation of Section 4, RA 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.