BOC tracks down vessel used to transport P9.68 billion shabu

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced it had identified and seized a private yacht that was allegedly used to transport the over 1.4 tons of shabu that was apprehended in Nasugbu, Batangas last April and in the process, also seized 3 more ‘undocumented’ vessels allegedly owned by the yacht’s owner.

In a statement on July 2, 2024, the BOC said that in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), they managed to track down the vessels while anchored in Nasugbu, Batangas last June 27, 2024.

The illicit drugs, valued approximately at PhP9.68 billion, were intercepted at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on April 15, 2024, and initially inventoried in the presence of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr.

The discovery and apprehension of the vessels were the result of diligent intelligence and follow-up operations by the Intelligence Group (IG) under Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy and the Enforcement Group (EG) under Deputy Commissioner Teddy Raval.

Last June 25, Pinoy Exposé witnessed customs agents going thru the list of yachts anchored at the Manila Yacht Club. This paper was informed that they are looking for at least 10 undocumented vessels in total.

Armed with an WSD (warrant of seizure and detention) issued by Port of Manila (POM) district collector Rizalino Torralba, the joint operation was spearheaded by the POM Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Field Station chief, Joel Pinawin; POM Enforcement and Security Service under District Commander Capt. Rodrigo S. Gonzales; and, POM Water Patrol Division head, Capt. Fred Agpaoa. Supervising the entire operation is CIIS director, Verne Enciso.

“Our team is working tirelessly to collaborate closely with international partners, law enforcement agencies, and other government bodies to ensure coordinated and effective responses.

“Their efforts have already yielded significant results, and we are confident that with continued vigilance, we will disrupt and dismantle these criminal operations,” said Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, in a brief statement to the media.