ANTI-narcotics agents collared on Monday a consignee of a 40-kilogram high-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, sent from Hong Kong.
In a statement, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said that the Philippine National Police also seized the illegal drug hidden inside a water pump that was sent through air cargo and arrived in the country on December 28.
"The seized ‘shabu’ has a street value of at least P400 million," Customs said as it identified the consignee as Danilo Pineda.
The shabu was discovered following derogatory information received by the Customs' Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force.
"Matagal na nating nareceive ang information na ito, right after Christmas na merong magpapadala ng isang karga na may lamang mga illegal na contrabando dito sa isang Pilipino, Nung (December) 28 nalaman natin na dumating 'yung karga,” said PNP anti-illegal drugs special operating task force (AIDSOTF) chief Roque Merdeguia.
Merdeguia said they immediately coordinated with the BOC for the drug bust after someone picked up the package.
The illegal drug haul was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Customs said.
Last week, the BOC also seized 660 kg of counterfeit medicines worth millions of pesos.
The BOC said that it has implemented more stringent control measures for examining air cargo and mailed parcels following the discovery of various illegal substances concealed in items like shoes, denim pants, slippers, books, billiard cue stick and even stuffed toys.
Authorities identify contraband items in the parcels upon inspection using X-Ray scanning machines and rigid physical inspection. (SDR/Third Anne Peralta/Sunnex)