The Bureau of Customs–Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, intercepted around 1.573 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at ₱10.696 million concealed inside the cardboard sidewalls of a wedding dress box.
The shipment, declared as “Wedding Dress,” was sent from Mexico City, Mexico, to Mandaluyong City and was subjected to X-ray scanning by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project after authorities received derogatory information about the package.
The X-ray images showed suspicious findings, prompting customs authorities to conduct a physical examination.
Although the white wedding dress, including its ruffles, initially yielded no contraband, the assigned Customs Examiner noticed the unusual weight of the carton. Further inspection of the packaging led to the dismantling of the box, where four transparent plastic pouches containing a white crystalline substance were found hidden within its cardboard sidewalls.
The substance weighed approximately 1,573 grams and had an estimated standard drug value of ₱10,696,400. Initial spectrometer screening indicated the presence of methamphetamine, commonly known as shabu.
Samples were turned over to PDEA Clark for laboratory analysis and confirmatory testing.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed the need for vigilance as drug smugglers continue to develop sophisticated concealment methods.
“Mas nagiging madiskarte ang mga smugglers at minsan, sa unang tingin, parang walang kahina-hinala sa shipment. Kaya hindi tayo puwede maging kumpyansa—our Customs officers must remain sharp, thorough, and ready to check beyond what is immediately visible,” Nepomuceno said.
District Collector Jairus S. Reyes also reaffirmed the Port of Clark’s commitment to strengthening its profiling and examination capabilities in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies.
Authorities said the operation supports the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and efforts to strengthen border protection.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) was issued against the shipment for violations of Sections 1113(l)(3), (4), and (5) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
The BOC said it would continue strengthening border enforcement measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country and protect Filipino communities.
