Five people have been arrested and charged in connection with the importation of an estimated P2.7 billion worth of illegal drugs seized last January, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Thursday.

NBI director Jaime B. Santiago identified the suspects as Oscar Campo Berba of Red Shinting, the shipment’s consignee; customs brokers Kevin Lee Manuel Arrio and Richard Perlado Aguantar; and Karen Villaflor Sacro and Rey Baysa Gujilde, chairman and president, respectively, of the freight forwarding company Ark Global Movers.

The five have been arraigned before the Manila Regional Trial Court on non-bailable charges of violating Section 4 of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Santiago disclosed that the NBI seized 404 kilos of shabu, with an estimated street value of P2.7 billion.

The shipment was discovered 23 and 24 January at the Manila International Container Port during a joint operation by the NBI, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Justice.

Investigations showed that the contents of the container van were declared as vermicelli pasta and custards. However, during inspection, the drugs were found concealed within the boxes of pasta and custards.