The Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark, under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Ricardo Uy Morales II, CESE, remains firm in its mandate to combat illegal drug smuggling.

On July 4, 2023, the Port seized 462 grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as “Shabu,” with an estimated value of P3,187,800.00.

The shipment, originating from Pennsylvania, USA, was initially flagged as suspicious by X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel. It underwent K9 sniffing by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K9 Unit, which yielded a positive indication for the presence of dangerous drugs.

A physical examination was conducted by the assigned customs examiner, leading to the discovery of four pouches of white crystalline substances, weighing a total of 462 grams. These pouches were concealed inside two “dear morning” bread toasters.

Field testing of the substances was conducted by CAIDTF Clark personnel using a Raman Rigaku Spectrometer, which produced a positive reading for “Methamphetamine.”

Representative samples were then handed over to the PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis, confirming the presence of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, also known as “Shabu.” This substance is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

District Collector Morales immediately issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violating Section 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 par. (f), (I), and (l)-(3) and (4) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to R.A. No. 9165.

“The unprecedented success in apprehending illegal drugs demonstrates the Port of Clark’s strict implementation of security protocols. From January 1 to July 4, 2023, we have already seized a total of P105.8 million worth of illegal drugs”, said District Collector Morales. “Do not attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into Clark because with our vigilant personnel, we will definitely find and seize them,” he added.

The Bureau of Customs, guided by Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, remains committed in its campaign against illegal drug smuggling, as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.#