PDEA: Over P81-M shabu found at courier service HQ in Mandaue City

Authorities found 12 kilograms of shabu worth P81.6 million at courier service's regional headquarters in Mandaue City, Cebu during a random inspection on Saturday afternoon.

In a statement on Sunday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said its Regional Office 7 – Seaport Interdiction Unit conducted the operation around 3 p.m.

“During the course of the K9 paneling and sweeping of cargoes, the PDEA K9 showed indicators that the three black boxes with LED spotlight contained illegal drugs,” PDEA said.

Due to this, the PDEA interdiction team leader decided to subject the three boxes to X-ray examination at Pier 3 in Cebu City where an X-ray machine is available.

According to PDEA, the X-ray examination indicated that the boxes actually contained organic substance contrary to the declared cargo contents.

“The boxes were opened and upon inspection of the items, all boxes contained a total of 12 kilos vacuum sealed shabu placed in tea bags and all individually wrapped and sealed with black rubber,” it said.

“Random screening tests were done which tested positive for the presence of meth hydrochloride,” it added.

The shipper and recipient of the boxes are identified. They will face investigation and cases in court, according to PDEA.

A statement from the courier firm sent to GMA News Online said, “We are cooperating with the PDEA regarding  this incident. As a matter of security protocol, any suspicious items we find are immediately turned over to the proper law enforcement agencies for investigation. We reiterate that as a responsible and law-abiding corporate entity, we are committed to ensuring that no illegal items get through.” —LBG, GMA News