The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) has seized 14 abandoned parcels containing various illegal drugs with an estimated street value of P56.01 million.
According to the BOC-NAIA, the parcels contained suspected shabu, “kush,” vape cartridges containing liquid marijuana, and opium poppy.
BOC Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Bendijo said the illegal substances were concealed in ordinary items in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
“Sa case na ito, yung hinihinalang shabu ay tinago nila sa mga water filter. Yung kush ay isinilid sa speaker system. Yung poppy naman ay tinago nila, parang nakasukbit doon sa mga decorative flowers,” Bendijo said during an interview.
He explained that the suspected shabu was hidden inside water filters, the kush was concealed in a speaker system, while the opium poppy was tucked into decorative flowers.
The seizure highlights the BOC’s continuing efforts to strengthen border protection and prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country through air cargo and parcel shipments.
Authorities have yet to provide further details regarding the intended recipients of the parcels and the ongoing investigation into the drug shipment.