THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized a shipment of LED spotlights from Mexico, containing suspected shabu, during an inspection at a Pasay City warehouse on Tuesday.
Port of NAIA District Collector Yasmin Mapa said the cargo was flagged after X-ray scans revealed suspicious images inconsistent with the declared goods. The shipment was immediately marked for a full physical examination.
Mapa said that on April 17, 2026, a joint inspection was conducted by the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force and the Enforcement and Security Service.
Following an alert from a K9 unit, the authorities uncovered concealed narcotics within the cargo.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency confirmed the shipment contained 36,740 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, with an estimated street value of P249,832,000.
"The BOC will keep pushing forward in stopping illegal shipments at our borders. We are committed to making sure that these dangerous drugs never reach our communities," said Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.
He added that the successful operation reflects the bureau's strengthened risk assessment and coordination efforts with partner agencies.
