200kg of Shabu from Laos Seized at Manila Port — Government to Inspect All Cargo from Laos

200kg of Shabu from Laos Seized at Manila Port — Government to Inspect All Cargo from Laos

📌 Authorities announced on Wednesday, November 4, that about 200kg of shabu (methamphetamine), worth 1.36 billion pesos, was found hidden in a container that departed from Laos and arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). On Thursday the 5th, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that all cargo from Laos will now be inspected separately.

■ Details of the Case
· The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the police found the drugs in a 40-foot container. According to the Manila Bulletin, four bundles of drugs were hidden among about 50 boxes declared as cardboard.
· The cargo left Laos and came to Manila via Hai Phong, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, and was transferred to another ship in Hong Kong. According to the Philstar, Vietnamese drug authorities notified the Philippines when the ship left Hai Phong.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· No arrests have been reported so far, and the police are investigating links between the consignee and international drug syndicates.
· Secretary Remulla said that after about 17 tons were intercepted at sea, the syndicates appear to be looking for other routes.
· Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said he will step up surveillance and information sharing with domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· Do not receive or carry bags or parcels on behalf of people you don't know. If there are drugs inside, the person who carried them can also be punished.
· When receiving parcels from overseas, if an item arrives that you didn't order, check the sender before accepting it.

■ Sources
Philstar (11/5), GMA News (11/5), Manila Bulletin (11/5)

■ Photos
· 1. Public briefing on the seized items at a Manila port warehouse — GMA News
· 2. Officials examining the seized shabu packages — Manila Bulletin
· 3. File photo · Shabu in evidence bags — Philstar