THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Port of Clark intercepted a shipment containing 1,098 grams of high-grade marijuana, commonly known as “kush” along with 10 pieces of cannabis-infused disposable vapes with a combined standard value of PhP1.663 million.
The parcel, declared as a “Tub Shower Faucet Set,” originated from Arizona, United States, and was bound for Quezon City. It was flagged through enhanced profiling and x-ray scanning by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after revealing suspicious images.
Customs Examiners subsequently conducted a physical examination of the shipment, which revealed one (1) black vacuum-sealed plastic bag containing 30 disposable vape pens, 10 of which were confirmed to be cannabis-infused. In addition, three (3) transparent plastic packs containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana were found concealed within the parcel.
Samples were taken and turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for chemical analysis, which confirmed the presence of marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violating Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of R.A. No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.
This successful operation is the result of the coordinated and strategic efforts of the Port of Clark – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, working in collaboration with the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, the National Bureau of Investigation – Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice, and local officials of Brgy. Dau, Mabalacat City.
District Collector Jairus S. Reyes praised the dedication and vigilance of the enforcement team and partner agencies, emphasizing the Port’s continued efforts to protect the country’s borders. Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio likewise commended the operation, reaffirming the BOC’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, inter-agency collaboration, and safeguarding the Filipino people from the dangers of illicit drugs, in line with the President’s directive for a drug-free and secure Philippines.
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