The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark, together with the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested two claimants of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “Shabu,” worth P1,055,010.00 on May 15, 2023.

Declared as “chocolates”, the shipment was initially subjected to X-ray inspection and K9 sniffing, both of which raised suspicions of the presence of illegal drugs. After a physical examination of the shipment, one pack of Nerds gummies containing one medium pack and ten small packs of white crystalline substances was found.

PDEA’s chemical laboratory analysis of the samples confirmed the substances as methamphetamine hydrochloride, a dangerous drug under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was immediately issued against the shipment for the violation of Sections 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 par. (f), (i), and (l)-(3) and (4) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to RA No. 9165.

Elements of the Port and PDEA proceeded with the conduct of a joint controlled delivery operations in the importer’s address, which resulted in the arrest of two male claimants, both residents of Baliuag, Bulacan.

“The Bureau of Customs remains committed in safeguarding our borders against the entry of illegal drugs and continues to enhance its anti-smuggling measures, in line with the priority programs of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio,” said newly installed District Collector Atty. Elvira Cruz.

This is the seventh successful drug bust operation at the Port of Clark for the year. Since January, the port has already recorded seizures of prohibited drugs with aggregate estimated value of P60 million.#