AUTHORITIES yesterday seized four balikbayan boxes containing 110 kilos of shabu worth P749 million at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo, Manila.
No one was arrested during the interdiction operation but the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals behind the foiled drug smuggling.
“What looked like ordinary balikbayan boxes meant for families back home turned out to be part of a large-scale drug smuggling attempt,” PDEA said in announcing the successful operation.
The interdiction operation was conducted at around 11:30 a.m. at the Container Facility Station 3 of the MICP, where the balikbayan boxes from California were inspected.
Found inside the balikbayan boxes were 106 vacuum-sealed plastic packs filled with shabu, which were carefully concealed inside boxes of cereal, snack packs, and instant noodles.
PDEA said it conducted the operation in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard.
It said the balikbayan boxes were addressed to recipients in Mandaluyong and Quezon City.
“Investigators noted that the shipments were packed in multiple layers to avoid detection,” PDEA said.
“While no suspects have been arrested so far, authorities are now working to identify those behind the shipment and trace any local contacts connected to the smuggling attempt,” PDEA also said.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said the successful operation is the result of “constant vigilance and close coordination among our (government) agencies.”
“Every time we stop illegal drugs at our ports, we protect countless families and communities from their harmful effects,” said Nerez.
PDEA said the operation underscores the government’s efforts to tighten border security and stop the entry of illegal drugs into the country.
“We are committed to ensuring that all attempts to smuggle contraband—whether through border entry points, cargo shipments, or parcels—are intercepted and prevented,” said Nerez.
PDEA said it will remain relentless in its efforts to stop criminal organizations from “poising our communities.”
“We will not tolerate the presence of this menace in our midst—a threat that seeks to destroy the moral fabric of our society, and the future of every Filipino family and youth, who represent the hope of our nation,” it said.
“PDEA assures the public that the investigation is ongoing and that no effort will be spared to hold accountable those responsible for this shipment. The agency remains fully committed to safeguarding communities from the dangers of illegal drugs,” it added.
BUCOR DRUG SEIZURES
A total of 3.648.0268 kilograms of shabu have been confiscated from inmates and visitors in various operating prisons and penal farms operated by the Bureau of Corrections.
BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said 60. 3141 grams of cannabis or marijuana were also confiscated since he took office three years ago.
Catapang said the illegal drugs were confiscated from October 2023 to the present in five of the seven prison and penal farms, namely, the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City (2166. 2705 grams of shabu and 58. 6 grams of cannabis), Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro (26.7488 grams of shabu), Leyte Regional Prison (8.76 grams of shabu), Davao Prison and Penal Farm (410.2696 grams of shabu and 1.71 grams of cannabis), and 1032. 7887 grams of shabu at the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm in Zamboanga City.
“These figures are not just numbers. They represent a concerted effort to curb the flow of illegal drugs into facilities designed for rehabilitation rather than further entrenchment in criminal behavior,” Catapang said.
Catapang said the illegal drugs were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for proper disposition.
The said illegal drugs were confiscated through “Greyhound” or “Oplan Galugad” operations and enhanced monitoring and strict inspection protocols implemented by the BuCor to deter the entry of illegal drugs and other contraband in its prison and penal farms.
In a related development, Catapang said focused security operations involving combined personnel of the agency, PDEA, National Bureau of Investigation and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency are already in place at the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, where 461 inmates, including 122 foreigners, convicted of illegal drugs were confined.
“The Task Force Sanib Pwersa is awaiting the deployment of an additional 75 personnel to complete the 150 composition of TG PNP as previously committed by the National Headquarters of the Philippine National Police,” the BuCor chief added.
Catapang said the agency has also installed CCTV cameras, under-vehicle surveillance systems and full-body scanners in Sablayan prison, particularly at the Pasuqui Sub-Prison where the inmates convicted of illegal drugs are detained.
Last year, the agency acquired two full-body scanners for the national penitentiary designed to detect contraband items concealed under clothing, ingested, or hidden in body cavities as part of its enhanced security measures within its facilities.
“By rigorous screening, incoming visitors in all operating prison and penal farms, BuCor aims to reduce the chances of illegal substances making their way into the hands of inmates,” Catapang said.
“The proactive approach is critical in reversing the trend of drug-related issues inside prisons,” he added.
Catapang, however, warned that the battle against illegal drugs remains challenging due to the ingenuity of those determined to smuggle illegal drugs and other contraband items into the BuCor’s facilities. – Ashzel Hachero
