Philippine Customs Seizes Large Drug Shipment Smuggled From Afghanistan

Philippine customs authorities have seized a large shipment of illegal drugs at the Manila International Container Port, reportedly linked to Afghanistan.

According to media reports, the Philippine Bureau of Customs and the Drug Enforcement Agency carried out a joint operation based on intelligence information. A search of two containers led to the recovery of 43 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Officials said the drugs were worth around $5.1 million in the international market. The methamphetamine was reportedly hidden in packages made to look like talcum stone and placed among other commercial goods.

Philippine Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said strict monitoring, risk management and effective border controls played an important role in stopping the attempted drug smuggling.

The seizure has also raised concerns about the growing regional threat posed by drug trafficking linked to Afghanistan. Experts say stronger and more responsible systems are needed to prevent drug smuggling, narcotics-related crime and security threats in the region.