The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in its ongoing campaign against illegal drugs, apprehended 2.56 kilograms of high-grade marijuana, or “Kush,” worth PhP3.084 million in cooperation with the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and local officials from Brgy. Dau, City of Mabalacat.

The shipment arrived on October 14, 2024, and was flagged for physical examination by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after suspicious images were detected. A K-9 unit further confirmed the presence of illegal substances.

Upon physical inspection, authorities discovered two (2) joog bags. Inside each of these bags, authorities found two (2) plastic bags containing dried leaves and fruiting tops, also suspected to be high-grade marijuana. Samples were taken and turned over to PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis, which confirmed the substances as marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.

Acting District Collector Jairus Reyes issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violating Sections 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, as amended.

Collector Reyes commended the team for their precise profiling and scanning efforts, which led to the successful seizure. He reaffirmed the Port of Clark’s commitment to the BOC’s anti-illegal drug campaign, as directed by Commissioner Bienvenido R. Rubio.

Commissioner Rubio emphasized the BOC’s dedication in ensuring community safety and border security, in line

with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

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