Millions in smuggled goods, illegal drugs seized at POM, NAIA

On May 10, 2026

Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F, Nepomuceno is joined by Port of Manila District Collector Rizalino Torralba during the inspection of assorted smuggled goods worth more than ₱136.92 million, May 5, 2026 (photo: BOC-PIAD).

BUREAU of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno led the inspection of smuggled goods and fake products worth ₱136.92 million at the Port of Manila as the agency continues to demonstrate its unrelenting commitment to border protection as directed by President Marcos Jr.

In a statement on May 5, District Collector Rizalino Jose Torralba said the shipment originated from China on board 25 containers misdeclared as containing “plastic racks.”

A thorough physical examination however revealed a wide range of undeclared items that include assorted agricultural products such as rice and sugar with an estimated value of ₱18.134 million, 6,320 boxes of assorted fake goods valued at ₱59.343 million and several bales of used clothing or “ukay-ukay” worth ₱22 million and electronic products worth ₱2.1 million, among others.

A Customs officer inspecting the baggage of two Filipina ‘drug mules’ (seated) who arrived from Cambodia with more than 8 kilos of shabu (photo: BOC-PIAD).

The identity of the suspected smuggler, however, was not disclosed.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa announced the arrest of two unnamed Filipina passengers cum ‘drug mules’ who arrived on May 6 from Cambodia.

Mapa said the inspection of their luggage resulted to the discovery of 8.324 kilos of shabu with an estimated value of ₱56.6 million.

The illegal substances were packed in improvised pouches made of carbon paper and packaging tape, and further concealed alongside coffee powder, assorted coffee packs, and personal belongings in an apparent attempt to evade detection.