P119-M ‘shabu’ found in countertop shipment at Clark
Customs authorities at Clark, in coordination with PDEA, successfully intercepted a significant P119 million worth of suspected "shabu" (crystal meth) cleverly concealed within resin countertops. The illegal shipment originated from the United States, highlighting persistent efforts to smuggle drugs into the country.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Clark intercepted a shipment containing approximately 17,500 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) valued at P119 million on March 7, 2026. The illegal drugs were cleverly concealed inside crystal resin countertops in a shipment that originated from Las Vegas, USA, and was destined for Makati City. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which provided intelligence that led to the interception. The shipment was flagged after X-ray scans showed anomalies, followed by positive detection by PDEA K9 units during inspection.
Physical examination of the shipment revealed two black rectangular resin blocks containing white crystalline substances. Laboratory tests confirmed the substances were shabu, in violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). The BOC issued a warrant of seizure and detention for the shipment due to violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863) in connection with drug laws. The estimated street value of the seized drugs was P119 million.
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BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the successful operation, though no arrests were immediately reported following the seizure. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-sharing between customs authorities and drug enforcement agencies in combating drug smuggling through international shipments. This interception occurred at the Clark Freeport Zone, a major logistics hub in Central Luzon.
The March 2026 seizure is part of ongoing anti-drug efforts at Clark, distinct from earlier drug busts such as the P212.5 million shabu seizure that occurred in April 2024. The successful operation was reported by multiple Philippine news outlets including the Daily Tribune, Inquirer.net, and the Philippine News Agency on March 7-8, 2026. The case remains under investigation for possible filing of criminal charges against those responsible for the smuggling attempt.
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