The Philippine Customs Bureau seized nearly one kilogram of methamphetamine hydrochloride (commonly known as shabu) worth P6.75 million hidden in a shipment of auto parts at the Port of Clark.

In a statement, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the illegal drugs were concealed inside car components and were discovered during a joint operation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Airport Interdiction Unit.

The shipment originated from Bujumbura, East Africa, and was consigned to a recipient in Cavite. During a physical examination, customs officers found a brown box labeled as containing metal wheel hub bearings, which was stuffed with four packs of white crystalline substance wrapped in brown tape.

Subsequent testing by the PDEA confirmed that the substance was methamphetamine hydrochloride, a prohibited substance under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

About the Port of Clark

Located in the northwestern part of Angeles City, Pampanga, adjacent to Mabalacat City, the Port of Clark is approximately 60 kilometers from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The Clark Freeport Zone, formerly the U.S. Air Force’s Clark Air Base, was converted into a special economic and trade development zone after being returned to the Philippine government. The area boasts a scenic environment, convenient transportation, an international airport, and various tourism facilities, making it a hub for international travel and business.