Business · Philippines Bureau
Customs seizes P292.4M methamphetamine shipment at Manila port
Philippine customs officials have intercepted a massive drug shipment concealed in containers labeled as talc stones at Manila's international port facility. The seized methamphetamine, originating from Afghanistan, represents one of the country's significant drug interdictions in recent months.
LSN Philippines ·
The Bureau of Customs announced the seizure on Thursday after inspecting containers that arrived at the Manila International Container Port. Two 20-foot shipping containers, falsely declared as containing talc stones, held approximately 43 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated street value of P292.4 million.
The discovery highlights ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to combat drug trafficking through major ports of entry. Smuggling organizations frequently attempt to conceal illicit substances within legitimate cargo shipments, relying on false documentation to evade detection.
The Afghanistan-sourced contraband was identified through the BOC's standard inspection protocols. Officials did not immediately release details regarding the shipment's intended destination or any arrests related to the interception.
The seizure underscores the persistent threat posed by international drug trafficking networks utilizing maritime routes to distribute methamphetamine throughout Asia-Pacific markets. Philippine authorities have intensified port security measures in response to recurring smuggling attempts.