ISLAMABAD: Philippine customs authorities seized about P292.4 million ($5.1 million) worth of suspected methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, from two shipping containers at the Manila International Container Port, according to the Bureau of Customs.
The two 20-foot containers were declared as carrying talc stones and were found to contain about 43 kilograms (95 pounds) of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride concealed inside fabric pouches.
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can cause serious physical and psychological harm.
Authorities said the shipment originated from Afghanistan, describing the seizure as one of the latest major interceptions linked to international drug trafficking routes from the country. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride, the agency said.
Officials said traffickers used sophisticated packaging methods to disguise the illicit cargo within a legitimate shipment.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said authorities identified the shipment through monitoring of high-risk cargo and recurring smuggling patterns.
“By closely monitoring high-risk shipments and identifying recurring smuggling patterns,” Nepomuceno said, thanking the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for its role in the seizure.
Philippine authorities said investigations are continuing to identify those responsible for the shipment and determine whether it is connected to a broader international trafficking network.
The seizure follows a similar case in February involving a container linked to Afghanistan that was declared as carrying marble. Authorities said that the shipment contained about 40 kilograms of drugs valued at P272 million.