The Bureau of Customs –Port of Clark in Pampanga province, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), Enforcement & Security Service, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, X-ray Inspection Project, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), intercepted 535.6 grams of Ketamine valued at P2.67 million hidden under polycarbonate sheets on August 18.

The shipment from Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, declared as clothing, was subjected to x-ray scanning after suspicious images were detected, resulting in the discovery of four pieces of polycarbonate sheets concealing white crystalline substances suspected to be illegal drugs.

The CAIDTF tested the substances which indicated the presence of “Special K, Ketamine”. Samples were then taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis that later confirmed that the substances contain Ketamine, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

District Collector Alexandra Lumontad issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the subject goods for violation of Sections 119 (d), and 1113 (f) of R.A. No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and Section 4 of R.A. No. 9165.

Last June, the Port also confiscated P2.5-million worth of Ketamine from Spain hidden in picture frames.

BOC under the leadership of Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz continues to further intensify its border protection efforts, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs in the country.