The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark intercepted a shipment from the United States containing PhP250,116 worth of cannabis-infused vapes.

The shipment was declared as “Label Marker Machines,” but flagged for further inspection by the X-ray Inspection Project. A K-9 unit also detected the presence of illegal substances. Upon conducting a 100% physical examination, Customs authorities uncovered 100 pieces of cannabis-infused disposable vapes from various brands.

Samples were tested using the Customs’ Rigaku Spectrometer Reader, which confirmed the presence of cannabinoids. The samples were then turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for laboratory analysis, which verified the substances as marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.

The inspection was carried out in coordination with the PDEA, Philippine National Police—Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga District Office, Department of Justice (DOJ), and Barangay officials of Dau.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violation of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs f, i, and l (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863, known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.

District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria reaffirmed the Port’s commitment in combating illegal goods, emphasizing strengthened partnerships with other agencies in line with BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s support of President Marcos’ directive to fight illegal drugs.

Recognizing the need for heightened vigilance at our borders to protect citizens from the harmful effects of illegal substances, Commissioner Rubio remarked, ‘Safeguarding the health of the public, particularly the youth, is one of our top priorities, as these vape products are becoming more prevalent among them. Rest assured, we will persist in intensifying our efforts to curtail the smuggling of these contrabands and hold accountable those who violate the rule of law.”