BOC seizes 320 drums of shabu chemical

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Northern Mindanao has seized at least 320 drums of hydrochloric acid, a chemical used to make shabu.

The BOC seized the shipment after the consignee, Juchem Enterprises based in Butuan City, failed to present any importation permit, said BOC spokesman Neil Estrella.

The shipment, which came from India, arrived in four 20-foot shipping containers at the Mindanao Container Port in Tagoloan  town in Misamis Oriental on Jan. 31.

 “Hydrochloric acid is essential in the manufacture of shabu. We would investigate the consignee and check if the firm has any connection in the manufacture of illegal drugs,” Estrella said.

Alvin Enciso, BOC Intelligence and Investigation Service-Cagayan de Oro officer-in-charge, said initial examination of the shipment on Tuesday showed a “discrepancy of being restricted or regulated good without import permit or clearance.”

“It is considered a dangerous chemical if it goes to the wrong hands,” Enciso said.

He said the owner of Juchem Enterprises came to his office and claimed they were not aware that the chemical is regulated.

“We intend to visit the company or companies where Juchem claims they would supply the chemical so we would know how it would be used,” Enciso said.

He said he requested for an alert order of the shipment for suspected violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and  lack of permits from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Food and Drugs Administration, Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine National Police firearms and explosive office and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.