A JOINT inspection led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark led to the apprehension of almost 10.5 kilos of High-Grade “Kush” Marijuana concealed in two (2) pieces of one-seater sofa approximately valued at PhP17.169 million. The inspection was done 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 Brgy. Officials of Dau.
Records reveal that the subject shipment arrived on August 6, 2024, and was declared as two (2) pieces of “One Seat Sofa.” It was marked for inspection by BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after revealing unusual images. A K-9 sniff test also indicated the presence of illegal substances. Upon physical inspection, authorities uncovered 23 self-sealing transparent plastic sachets (12 packs and 11 packs, respectively) of dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana, also known as “Kush.”
Samples were then taken and turned over to PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis, which confirmed that the said substances were indeed marijuana, a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for the shipment for violating Section 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.
District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria commended the personnel for their consistent dedication in upholding the BOC’s mandate to prevent the proliferation of illegal drugs.
As directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, vows to remain firm in its campaign against illegal drug smuggling and emphasizes: “BOC pledges to prevent smuggling and protect the country’s borders and our citizens’ well-being against the dangers and ill-effects of illegal drugs and substances.”
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