Clark, Freeport – The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Clark and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intercepted 712 grams of high-grade marijuana (kush) valued at approximately ₱1.068 million. The shipment, falsely declared as “jeans,” originated from California, USA, and arrived in the Philippines in the second week of January 2026, consigned to Batangas.
The parcel was flagged by the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after revealing suspicious images. A 100% physical examination was immediately conducted by Customs Examiners in the presence of operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other members of the CRK-IATFAID. The inspection uncovered a plastic bag containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be marijuana.
Samples were forwarded to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the substance as marijuana, a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
Consequently, 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) (3) and (4) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.
District Collector Jairus S. Reyes emphasized, “This seizure reflects our firm resolve to keep our airport gateways secure and prevent illegal drugs from reaching our communities.”
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno echoed this commitment in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national security priorities, stating, “Through close coordination with our law enforcement partners, our officers remain vigilant and resolute, leaving no stone unturned in protecting our borders. This sustained collective effort is vital to ensuring public safety and keeping our communities free from illegal drugs.”