The biggest drug haul this year, valued at P6.7 million, was made by the Bureau of Customs' Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port and the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group over the weekend.
The operation happened at No. 1742 Jose Abad Santos St., Brgy. 252, Tondo, Manila, where one suspect was arrested and several pieces of evidence were seized.
The operation resulted in the seizure of some 990 kilograms and 102 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu).
The suspect, who will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and the seized evidence are now under the custody of PDEG Special Operations Unit 4A.
Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz lauded the PDEG and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for what could be the biggest anti-illegal drug operation this 2022.
Ruiz said it is a great jumpstart to the last quarter of the year as government agencies work together to intensify operations against the illegal drug trade.
"We want to thank PDEG for leading the operation. It would not be possible without the help of many other agencies, including the BOC and PDEA, but PDEG deserves the credit for acting upon the information they got, investigating the area and the suspect, and coordinating with all of us for the success of this operation," the commissioner added.
"Sometimes, in as big as an operation as this, it takes a lot to keep it under wraps and ensure no one would get wind of the plan. This is why coordination among different government agencies must be topnotch. We need to ensure we can trust and work with one another."
Meanwhile, BOC-CIIS Director Jeoffrey Tacio vowed to "continue the strengthened coordination and cooperation" with BOC's partner law enforcement agencies, especially the PDEG and PDEA, to "ensure that the fight against illegal drugs will remain strong."
"Drugs have long been our society's biggest problem. The BOC is one with the current administration and our partner agencies in taking the necessary steps to stop this menace," he said.
