The Philippine government will flag and intensify inspections of all shipments originating from Laos following the seizure of approximately 200 kilograms of shabu worth ₱1.36 billion at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in Manila, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Thursday. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the move aims to prevent drug syndicates from using alternative shipping routes to smuggle illegal substances into the country.
The seized drugs were concealed in cardboard packaging and reportedly passed through Vietnam and Hong Kong before reaching the Philippines. Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of several Filipinos in a separate attempt to smuggle 521 kilograms of shabu from Laos using a private jet last October.
