Suspected illegal drugs worth P249.83 million placed inside LED spotlights were intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at a warehouse in Pasay City, the agency reported.
According to BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the shipment of LED spotlights came from Mexico and was consigned to an address in Metro Manila. During an X-ray Imaging (XIP) inspection, it was found to have inconsistencies, which led to a 100-percent physical examination by the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF) and the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS)
Part of the investigation included a K9 sniffer, which indicated that the shipment is positive for suspected illegal drugs. After the cargo was opened, agents found white crystalline substances concealed within the LED spotlights. Further testing by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents confirmed the substances to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
Commissioner Nepomuceno said the seized illegal drugs will be turned over to the PDEA, and the BOC will file appropriate criminal charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165), Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), and other applicable laws against all persons found responsible, including importers, consignees, and other involved parties.
“The BOC will keep pushing forward in stopping illegal shipments at our borders,” Nepmuceno added. “We are committed to making sure that these dangerous drugs never reach our communities.”