MANILA, Philippines – A crackdown resulted in the confiscation of 110 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as shabu, worth PHP749 million from the Manila International Container Port (MICP) yesterday.
Four balikbayan boxes containing illicit substances were discovered at the MICP's container terminal, as reported by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Balikbayan boxes were classified as cereals, snacks, and instant noodles coming from the United States. However, rather than food items, law enforcement discovered 106 closed plastic packages containing shabu.
The containers were arranged in several levels to prevent being discovered by law enforcement.
"This ban comes from continuous monitoring and strong cooperation between our organizations," said PDEA director Isagani Nerez.