THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark seized approximately 940 grams of high-grade marijuana or kush, with an estimated value of PhP1,551,000.00, in coordination with the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Through intensive profiling, a shipment declared as “Baby Walker,” which arrived on June 10, 2024, was put on hold and was immediately subjected to x-ray scanning and K9 sniffing. Both inspections indicated possible presence of illegal drugs.
Physical examination led to the discovery of jog bags containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana, or “Kush.” Samples were then taken and turned over to PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis, which confirmed that said substances are indeed marijuana, a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued by District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria against the subject shipment for violation of Sections 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 par. f, I, and l (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
District Collector Austria emphasized the port’s unwavering commitment in combating all forms of smuggling, including the entry of illegal drugs.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reiterated the Bureau’s stance against illegal drugs, emphasizing their commitment in safeguarding communities. He affirmed that “the BOC will remain vigilant and continue to strengthen border security, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives and Department of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto’s mandate to protect public welfare.”
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