The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other enforcement units, apprehended a suspect in possession of 1,900 grams of High-Grade Marijuana, commonly known as "Kush."
The interception, with an estimated value of P3.135 million, followed intelligence received from the PDEA regarding a shipment declared as "hooded sweatshirt" that arrived last May 9.
Subsequent x-ray scanning and K9 inspections indicated the possible presence of illicit substances, prompting a physical examination of the cargo.
During the inspection, four pouches containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be High-Grade Marijuana were discovered concealed within the hooded sweatshirts.
Chemical analysis conducted by the PDEA confirmed the presence of Marijuana, a prohibited substance under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9165, as amended.
Customs District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment for violations of relevant sections of R.A. No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) in connection with R.A. No. 9165.
A controlled delivery operation in Antipolo, Rizal, led to the arrest of a 23-year-old male claimant by operatives of BOC-Clark and PDEA. The suspect is currently held by PDEA Region III for the filing of charges under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reiterated the Bureau of Customs' strong stance against drug smuggling.
He highlighted the agency's dedication to working closely with other government enforcement agencies, leveraging advanced technology, and deploying trained personnel at ports to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country.