THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Airport Interdiction Unit (PDEA-AIU), intercepted a parcel containing Ecstasy tablets or “party drugs” cleverly concealed in boxes of gummy candies, along with several non-drug items such as Belgian waffle biscuits. The shipment, with an estimated standard value of PhP7,634,700.00, originated from Brussels, Belgium and was bound for Quezon City, Philippines.
The operation was initiated following derogatory information from PDEA regarding the incoming shipment. A K-9 sniff test was later conducted by Customs Examiners and PDEA operatives yielded positive results for illegal substances, prompting a full physical examination of the parcel. The inspection revealed seven boxes containing gummy candies, which also concealed a total of 4,491 tablets suspected to be Ecstasy or MDMA.
Upon submission to PDEA for chemical analysis, the substance was confirmed to be Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a prohibited drug under the provisions of Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violations of Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.
Through bolstered inter-agency collaboration, the operation was carried out effectively by Port of Clark – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, the National Bureau of Investigation – Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice, and Barangay Dau officials in Mabalacat City.
As emphasized by District Collector Jairus S. Reyes, this operation is a strong reminder of the importance of vigilance and close inter-agency coordination, stating, “This operation sends a clear and strong message—the Port of Clark will not be a gateway for illegal drugs. Let this be a firm warning to smugglers and consignees attempting to exploit our borders.”
Meanwhile, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reiterated* the Bureau’s continued support to the national anti-drug crusade, saying, “This successful seizure is a testament to our commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement and border protection. Under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we will continue to pursue aggressive measures against drug smuggling while ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino people.”
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