The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark seized 2,132 grams of High-Grade Marijuana or Kush and 156 pieces of Assorted Cannabis Infused Disposable Vapes with a total estimated value of Php 3,979,929 concealed inside a parcel declared as “Accessory” from California, USA.

The parcel was marked by X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel due to unusual x-ray image. K9 sniffing was also conducted which indicated possible presence of prohibited drugs. Physical examination was immediately conducted which resulted in the findings of dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be High-Grade Marijuana or Kush and assorted disposable vape cartridges.

Samples were then taken and turned over to PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis which confirmed the presence of Marijuana, a dangerous drug under R.A. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the subject shipment for violation of Section 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 par. f, I, and l (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in relation to R.A. No. 9165, as amended.

District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria commended the personnel from the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), Customs Examiner and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region III for their continuous collaboration to prevent the entry of illegal drugs.

Under Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s leadership, the BOC consistently manifests its relentless campaign against illegal drug smuggling, following Secretary of Finance Ralph G. Recto’s efforts to protect the national economic interest and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard the country’s borders and citizens from the dangers of illegal drugs.

With this, Commissioner Rubio stressed, “This recent seizure is a testament to our dedicated efforts in combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of our communities. We will continue to intensify our operations and enhance our capabilities to thwart any attempts at smuggling illegal substances into the country.”