The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), and the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), confiscated two (2) shipments containing a total of 4.2 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana originating from California, USA worth PhP280,400.

Based on a derogatory report from PDEA, the two (2) shipments, declared as “Bags of Candies,” were subjected to x-ray scanning, which revealed unusual images. A K-9 sniff test also indicated the presence of illegal substances. Physical examination revealed a total of 4.2 kilograms of a brown sticky substance, suspected to be marijuana resin, hidden in six (6) bottles of branded chocolate syrup (3 bottles per package). Samples were also taken for analysis using the Customs Rigaku Spectrometer, which indicated that the shipment contained a substance identified as cannabinoid — a component of marijuana.

Furthermore, samples were sent to PDEA for laboratory analysis, which confirmed the substance as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a component of marijuana classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.

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

The Port of Clark emphasized its commitment to preventing illegal drug smuggling and ensuring strict border security at the Port of Clark.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed BOC’s dedication, stating, “We are committed in enhancing our operations through improved training and the integration of advanced technology across all ports. This fully aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s anti-smuggling directives and Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto’s mandate to safeguard public welfare.”