P114.5M drugs disguised as malachite seizedAuthorities inspect a shipment declared as malachite stones but is suspected to be illegal drugs on January 8, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs said it seized P114.57 million worth of suspected illegal drugs that smugglers attempted to pass off as malachite stones. Inspection of the shipment revealed four boxes containing suspected illegal drugs weighing 4,320 grams, 3,622 grams, 4,599 grams, and 4,307 grams, respectively. This yielded in a total of 16,848 grams of suspected illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of more than P114.5 million. The Bureau will remain relentless in screening, inspecting, and stopping illegal drugs at our borders," BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

Source: Philippine Star January 12, 2026 06:57 UTC