Stoner? P114.5M drugs disguised as malachite seized

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs said it seized P114.57 million worth of suspected illegal drugs that smugglers attempted to pass off as malachite stones.

The BOC and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency intercepted several packages declared as "stones" at the Pair Cargo Warehouse in Pasay on January 8. The shipment originated from Congo, authorities said on Monday, January 12.

The cargo was flagged during X-ray inspection after "exhibiting suspicious images," prompting a physical examination.

Inspection of the shipment revealed four boxes containing suspected illegal drugs weighing 4,320 grams, 3,622 grams, 4,599 grams, and 4,307 grams, respectively.

This yielded in a total of 16,848 grams of suspected illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of more than P114.5 million.

The seized items were turned over to the PDEA for further investigation. 

Laws violated, officials say. The BOC said the shipment violated the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

"This is not just about enforcement. It is about protecting our communities. The Bureau will remain relentless in screening, inspecting, and stopping illegal drugs at our borders," BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

BOC–Ninoy Aquino International Airport District Collector Yasmin Mapa said close coordination among agencies was crucial in intercepting illegal shipments.

"This result highlights the value of strict risk profiling and close coordination among enforcement units and partner agencies. Our personnel remain alert and ready to act on any shipment that poses a threat to public safety," Mapa said.