P6.16M ‘HIGH-GRADE’ MARIJUANA FROM CALIFORNIA SEIZED AT CLARK PORT

BY KEVIN GALANG

SOME P6.16 million worth of “high-grade” marijuana or “kush” concealed in parcels misdeclared as rug runners was seized by the Bureau of Customs –Port of Clark, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), at the Clark Freeport in Pampanga.

Customs officers intercepted a shipment containing a total of 4.11 kilograms of kush that arrived from California, United States and was bound for San Mateo, Rizal.

The illegal drugs were hidden inside a parcel declared as a “polyester rug runner.”

Earlier this month, authorities also confiscated 712 grams of “high-grade” marijuana valued at P1.068 million from another shipment falsely declared as “jeans” and intended for delivery to Batangas. 

Both parcels arrived in the Philippines during the second week of January.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the shipments were flagged after irregular images were detected through the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP), prompting a physical examination of the parcels. 

Subsequent inspection yielded positive indications for narcotics.

Samples taken from the seized items were submitted to PDEA for laboratory testing, which confirmed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of marijuana and a prohibited substance under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Following the discovery, the BOC issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the parcels for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) in relation to RA 9165.

Further investigation is ongoing to identify the individuals and syndicates behind the attempted smuggling.

Port of Clark district collector Jairus Reyes underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country.

Reyes said the interception reflects the value of coordinated enforcement and disciplined inspection protocols.

“Preventing illegal drugs from passing through our ports is a direct safeguard for our communities,” he said.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno likewise lauded the efforts of BOC personnel and partner agencies, reiterating the bureau’s firm stance against drug smuggling.

“The Bureau of Customs exercises vigilant oversight at all ports to ensure operations remain safe, lawful, and efficient. Coordinated enforcement with our partner agencies is central to safeguarding our borders and maintaining public trust,” Nepomuceno said.