BOC impounds 4 yachts suspected of transporting illegal drugs

This photo shows a yacht, which the Bureau of Customs (BOC) impounded as authorities investigate how the P9.68 billion worth of “shabu” – a slang for methamphetamine – were transported to Batangas province. (Photo from BOC)

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized four yachts at the Batangas port as authorities investigated how the P9.68 billion worth of “shabu” – a slang for methamphetamine – were transported to the province.

According to the agency, it impounded the yachts on June 27 as a luxury boat is suspected of being used in the transport of the 1.4 tons (1.27 metric tons) shabu that was intercepted at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag town in Batangas province last April.

The BOC said all four private luxury boats belong to one owner, whose name it did not divulge as of this writing.

READ: Canadian linked to shabu bust in Alitagtag, Batangas nabbed

All impounded yachts were eventually turned over to the Port of Manila Auction and Cargo Disposal Division.

READ: BOC seizes P29.5 M marijuana concealed in balikbayan boxes

“Our team is working tirelessly to collaborate closely with international partners, law enforcement agencies, and other government bodies to ensure coordinated and effective responses,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said in a statement.

“Their efforts have already yielded significant results, and we are confident that, with continued vigilance, we will disrupt and dismantle these criminal operations,” he added.