MANILA – Authorities seized around PHP11.6 million worth of shabu concealed in car parts at the Port of Clark in Pampanga, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported.

In a belated news release, the BOC said the shipment originated from South Africa and arrived at the port on August 5, bound for Angeles City.

The shipment contained approximately 1,706 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

The illegal drugs were discovered after the BOC X-ray Inspection Project detected suspicious images inside the declared car parts during routine clearance procedures.

A subsequent K-9 sniff test also yielded positive indications for illegal drugs, prompting customs personnel to conduct a physical examination.

Authorities found 17 black and transparent plastic packages concealed inside two engine pistons and a tensioner pulley kit.

Initial screening using a spectrometer indicated the presence of methamphetamine. Representative samples were then turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory examination.

The BOC subsequently issued a warrant of seizure and detention for the shipment for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.