P6.2M ‘HIGH-GRADE’ MARIJUANA FROM CALIFORNIA INTERCEPTED AT CLARK FREEPORT CARGO WAREHOUSE

BY KEVIN GALANG

ANTI-NARCOTICS agents intercepted an estimated P6.2 million worth of the “high-grade” marijuana derivative called Kush smuggled from California, USA in a cargo warehouse inside the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, officials on Monday said.

Officers from the the Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group composed of agents from the PNP Drug Enforcement Group and Aviation Security Group, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Customs on Friday found the contraband inside the FedEx Cargo Area inside Clark Freeport Zone in Clarkfield, Mabalacat City in Pampanga.

The suspicious parcel attracted attention during an initial x-ray screening. A PDEA narcotics detection dog later sat on the parcel prompting officers to open it for a detailed examination.

Authorities said the seized parcel which was declared as  trekthread branded polyester rug runner reversible contained one large cylinder-shaped cardboard with two small brown rug rolls and three large black plastic bags.

Each black bag contained three large transparent plastic packs containing suspected hybrid cannabis Kush, with a total weight of 4,110 grams. Samples were taken by PDEA agents for confirmatory laboratory testing.

An investigation showed that the parcel was shipped last January 14 by a sender from Lake Avenue, California, USA, and was consigned to a male resident of San Mateo, Rizal.

The parcel was resealed and placed under the custody of the PDEA for laboratory examination.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez said they are investigating the foiled drug smuggling try with the help of their American counterparts.