In a joint inspection conducted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through Port of Clark and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), authorities intercepted 2.09 kilograms of high-grade marijuana with an estimated street value of P1,890,000.00. The parcel arrived from Sacramento, USA, and was bound for Surigao del Norte.

Through enhanced X-ray scanning by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), the shipment was flagged for physical examination, prompting customs authorities to inspect a brown rectangular box labeled “Ink Toners.” Inside the box was a black PVC cylinder, where 12 plastic sachets containing a green, solid substance were found hidden and concealed using adhesive spray foam.

Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the substance as Tetrahydrocannabinol, a dangerous drug classified under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.

The success of this apprehension is part of the BOC’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign and its continuous efforts to strengthen the Philippines’ fight against prohibited narcotics.

District Collector Jairus S. Reyes emphasized the importance of investing in the knowledge and capacity-building of BOC personnel to further enhance customs enforcement and service efficiency. “By continuously improving the skills and expertise of our employees, we can better equip them to detect, prevent, and intercept illicit activities while ensuring seamless trade facilitation,” District Collector Reyes stated.

The goal of this mission was achieved through coordinated and strategic efforts of the Port of Clark – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, the National Bureau of Investigation – Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice, and local officials from Brgy. Dau, Mabalacat City.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for 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.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio highlighted the BOC’s ongoing efforts to enhance border security and maintain the integrity of the country’s trade system. He underscored the importance of modernization, strategic enforcement, and inter-agency collaboration in strengthening national security and protecting the welfare of the Filipino people. ###