Authorities intercepted an estimated ₱278 million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, following a joint intelligence-driven operation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The operation stemmed from intelligence information provided by PDEA to the BOC as early as December 2, 2025, regarding a shipment from Afghanistan suspected of containing illegal drugs. In response, both agencies conducted continuous joint monitoring through the BOC’s Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, Enforcement Group–Enforcement and Security Service, and Intelligence Group–Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, in coordination with PDEA.
The shipment, declared as “marble,” arrived at MICP on December 31, 2025. After no goods declaration was filed within the 15-day reglementary period, the shipment was declared abandoned under customs rules. Prior to abandonment, the container had already undergone non-intrusive inspection, K9 sniffing operations, and physical examination as part of standard enforcement procedures.
X-ray scanning conducted on January 8, 2026 revealed suspicious images in the top rail portion of the container. This was supported by K9 operations, where a narcotics detection dog gave a positive indication for the presence of dangerous drugs.
To allow full inspection, authorities issued a Pre-Lodgement Control Order on February 4, 2026, authorizing a 100 percent physical examination, which was carried out on February 9, 2026. During the inspection, authorities recovered a white powdery substance concealed inside the container.
Laboratory confirmation by PDEA later identified the substance as methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. Authorities recovered a total of 131 pieces of suspected illegal drugs weighing approximately 41 kilograms, with an estimated street value of around ₱278 million, based on an estimated ₱6.8 million per kilogram.
Both BOC and PDEA reaffirmed their commitment to intensify intelligence sharing and strengthen joint enforcement operations to secure the country’s borders and protect communities from illegal drugs.
