BOC Clark foils PHP 3.15-M shipment of high-grade “Kush” Marijuana

DAVAO CITY –— The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark seized 2,100 grams of high-grade marijuana, or “Kush,” valued at PHP 3.15 million.

The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and local officials from Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City.

The shipment, which arrived on October 21, 2024, was declared as a “4-Seasons Camping Sleeping Bag” but was flagged for inspection by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) due to suspicious images. Upon inspection, authorities discovered two Joog bags, each containing a vacuum-sealed pouch of dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana.

The smugglers attempted to conceal the substance by wrapping it in clothing, but the BOC’s x-ray inspection and profiling capabilities foiled the effort. Confirmation of the illegal substance was made by a K-9 unit, and samples were sent to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for chemical analysis, confirming the contents as marijuana, a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165.

Acting District Collector Jairus Reyes issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for violations of Sections 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 (f, i, l) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in connection with R.A. No. 9165.

Reyes commended the team’s effective profiling and scanning efforts, which led to the interception. He affirmed the Port of Clark’s dedication to supporting the BOC’s anti-drug initiatives under the guidance of Commissioner Bienvenido R. Rubio.

Commissioner Rubio emphasized the agency’s commitment to community safety and strengthening border security, stating, “We remain vigilant in our fight against illegal drugs and will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to safeguard our communities.”