The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in its continued efforts to combat illegal drugs, seized 526 grams of high-grade marijuana, or “Kush,” valued at PhP789,000 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, which arrived on October 17, 2024, was declared as “Men’s Track Suits, Size Medium, Polyester” and was flagged for physical examination by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after suspicious images were detected. Authorities discovered two pieces of clothing (a shirt and shorts), inside which were two silver vacuum sealed bags. Each bag was filled with dried leaves and fruiting tops, suspected to be high-grade marijuana.

The smugglers attempted to conceal the illegal substance by wrapping it in the garments, but the BOC’s X-ray Inspection and profiling skills thwarted the attempt. A K-9 unit further confirmed the presence of illegal substances.

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.

He also praised the team for their accurate profiling and scanning, which resulted in the successful interception of the illegal shipment. He reiterated the Port of Clark’s dedication to the Bureau of Customs’ ongoing anti-drug efforts, following the directives of Commissioner Bienvenido R. Rubio.

Commissioner Rubio emphasized the BOC’s dedication to ensuring community safety and border security, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto. ###