The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday uncovered four balikbayan boxes containing over P740 million worth of illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno personally presented to members of the media the 110.24 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) concealed in four boxes, with an estimated value of P749.63 million.

Samples were immediately extracted and submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for confirmatory testing.

Laboratory results later confirmed that the seized substances were indeed methamphetamine hydrochloride.

According to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service — MICP, the contraband, which was flagged on 13 June 2025, was consigned to importer XYZ Global Express, under the name of broker Michelle Mae Salarda.

The boxes, declared as household goods and personal effects, arrived at the MICP on June 6 onboard the vessel OOCL UTAH 075W.

The BOC-CIIS said the confiscated drugs will be turned over to PDEA for further investigation in connection with violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly emphasized the importance of bolstering border protection to block the entry of illegal drugs into the country.

“This operation is aligned with the administration’s vision for a secure and safer Philippines, free from the dangers and health risks caused by narcotics,” Nepomuceno said.

MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba commended the vigilance and cooperation among enforcement units, adding that the success of the operation reflects the effectiveness of BOC’s enhanced profiling protocols and inter-agency coordination.

Commissioner Nepomuceno stressed that the agency will not let up in its anti-smuggling campaign.

“We will not allow criminal elements to exploit balikbayan privileges and tarnish the trust of our overseas Filipinos. This seizure underscores our commitment to protecting the country and its people,” he said.