THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark apprehended 1.48 grams of High-Grade “Kush” Marijuana concealed in four (4) garments valued at PhP1.572 million. The inspection was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and Barangay Officials of Dau.
The shipment was declared as “Men’s Track Suit, Polyester Men’s Cotton Shorts” and was flagged for examination by BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after unusual images were detected. A K-9 sniff test also indicated the presence of illegal substances. During the physical examination, authorities uncovered four vacuum-sealed pouches containing high-grade marijuana, or “Kush.” The shipment was wrapped with garments in an attempt to avoid detection during physical inspection.
Samples were taken and turned over to PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis, which confirmed that the substances were indeed marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
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 directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, remains firm in its campaign against illegal drug smuggling. Commissioner Rubio emphasized, “The BOC pledges to prevent smuggling and protect the country’s borders and the well-being of our citizens against the dangers of illegal substances attempting to infiltrate our communities.”