MANILA, Philippines – Customs and anti-drug authorities intercepted P5.5 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “shabu,” concealed inside children’s toys in a shipment from Los Angeles, California, bound for Cagayan de Oro City.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), seized 816 grams of the illegal substance hidden in 10 pieces of toys, including a surprise egg toy and nine kinetic sand toys.

The operation was prompted by derogatory information from PDEA, leading customs personnel to inspect the shipment. Inside the toys, authorities found vacuum-sealed pouches containing a white crystalline substance.

Samples of the seized substance were turned over to PDEA for chemical analysis, confirming it as methamphetamine hydrochloride, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, said Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention will be issued against the shipment for violating provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio underscored the significance of border protection in curbing illicit drug smuggling.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to protect our borders, prevent illicit trade, and ensure the safety and welfare of the Filipino people,” Rubio said.