BALIKBAYAN BOX WITH P56M SHABU INTERCEPTED AT MANILA PORT

A balikbayan box from Thailand was intercepted at Manila International Container Port (MICP) after authorities found P56.3 million worth of shabu, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Wednesday.

According to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS), the balikbayan box was misdeclared to contain household items, shoes, and motor parts.

The CIIS was prompted to conduct an inspection after they received “derogatory information” about the shipment.

“The shabu was hidden inside plastic pouches that are concealed inside two electric fans and five water heaters. Examination of the shipment revealed the presence of ‘white crystalline substance’ totaling to 8,294 grams,” the BOC said.

According to the BOC, he consignees, senders, and recipients of the balikbayan box may face charges for prohibited importation and exportation, misdeclaration, as well as property subject to seizure and forfeiture under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. They may also face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News

This article Balikbayan box with P56M shabu intercepted at Manila port was originally published in GMA News Online.

2024-05-08T10:04:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd