MANILA — A joint intelligence-driven operation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led to the seizure of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, valued at around ₱278 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The operation began after PDEA provided intelligence on 2 December 2025 about a shipment from Afghanistan suspected of containing illegal drugs. Acting on the tip, BOC and PDEA conducted continuous monitoring through the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, Enforcement Group–Enforcement and Security Service, and Intelligence Group–Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service.

The shipment, declared as “marble,” arrived at MICP on 31 December 2025. No goods declaration was filed within the required 15-day period, leading to the container being declared abandoned. Standard enforcement procedures, including non-intrusive inspections, K9 sniffing, and physical checks, were conducted prior to abandonment.

X-ray scans on 8 January 2026 revealed suspicious images in the top rail of the container. A narcotics detection dog later confirmed the presence of dangerous drugs. A Pre-Lodgement Control Order was issued on 4 February 2026, allowing a full physical inspection conducted on 9 February, which recovered a white powder later confirmed as shabu.

Authorities retrieved 131 pieces of suspected illegal drugs, weighing approximately 41 kilograms. The seized methamphetamine has an estimated value of ₱6.8 million per kilogram, totaling around ₱278 million.

Both BOC and PDEA reiterated their commitment to strengthening intelligence sharing and joint enforcement to secure the nation’s borders and protect communities.