X-ray scan leads to P199.7 million drug haul from Canada

National

SUSPICIOUS images spotted during an X-ray scan of a shipment from Canada led authorities to the discovery of more than P199.7 million worth of suspected shabu and high-grade marijuana in Pasay City.

The shipment, which consisted of 15 boxes declared as personal effects, was flagged by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) during screening.

The finding prompted the issuance of an alert order, followed by a physical examination and verification of the packages by customs and drug enforcement authorities.

The inspection, led by BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), uncovered six boxes containing 28 cans with approximately 28,324 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, valued at an estimated P192.603 million.

Another box contained approximately 4,746 grams of suspected high-grade marijuana, or kush, with an estimated value of P7.119 million.

Authorities also discovered 20 towels and 20 duvets suspected to contain liquid methamphetamine.

Samples of the suspected shabu, high-grade marijuana and liquid methamphetamine were submitted for laboratory examination by the PDEA. The samples tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride and cannabis.

The operation involved the coordinated efforts of the PDEA, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Enforcement and Security Service, XIP, NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group and other concerned authorities.(MyTVCebu)