The Bureau of Customs NAIA and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency intercepted ₱496.413 million worth of shabu weighing 73.002 kilograms hidden inside industrial machinery from Guadalajara, Mexico.
The shipment arrived in the country on September 26 and was flagged following derogatory intelligence received, indicating the possible presence of dangerous drugs.
An Alert Order was subsequently issued, prompting a thorough examination of the shipment at a Warehouse in Pasay City on October 2.
During X-ray scanning, Customs authorities detected suspicious images within the tubular frames of the pelletizing machine.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized that the seizure sends a strong warning to individuals and groups attempting to use legitimate cargo as cover for drug smuggling.