P135M Worth of Shabu Intercepted at NAIA — Hidden Inside Coffee and Tea Packs
Authorities have intercepted two parcels containing almost 20 kilograms of shabu worth an estimated P135.96 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Cargo Center in Pasay City — and the drugs were sneakily concealed inside coffee and tea packages.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed on Sunday that the abandoned inbound parcels were flagged during routine X-ray screening by Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel on March 13. K-9 units from both the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were called in to verify the suspicious packages.
Onsite testing confirmed the substance was methamphetamine hydrochloride — street name shabu. The parcels were addressed to a recipient in Marilao, Bulacan, though no arrests have been announced yet as the investigation continues.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation proves that the country's fight against illegal drugs remains relentless. "Hindi natin papayagang maipasok ang mga ipinagbabawal na ilegal na droga sa ating bansa," he said, emphasizing continued cooperation between agencies to protect Filipinos.
The bust comes as drug enforcement agencies ramp up cargo screening at major entry points. Hiding contraband inside food packaging has become an increasingly common tactic used by drug syndicates to evade detection.
Source: GMA News
