Photo By: Bureau of Customs
CLARK FREEPORT — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) formally turned over ₱30.780 million worth of ketamine to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), reinforcing the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and cross-border smuggling.
The illegal drugs were intercepted at the Port of Clark in late March 2026 after the BOC received derogatory information from PDEA, highlighting strong and sustained intelligence sharing between the two agencies. The shipment was immediately flagged for inspection, with x-ray screening revealing suspicious images that prompted a full physical examination.
A K-9 sniff test conducted by PDEA yielded positive results, leading to a thorough inspection that uncovered six transparent plastic pouches containing a white crystalline substance. The substance, later confirmed as ketamine, weighed 6,156 grams and was concealed inside a spool wrapped with cable wires.
Photo By: Bureau of Customs
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act No. 9165. The operation was carried out in coordination with the PDEA-Airport Interdiction Unit and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, in line with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and protect communities from narcotics.
Representing Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Enforcement Group Deputy Commissioner Nolasco K. Bathan emphasized that the successful interception and turnover demonstrate the unified efforts of the BOC, PDEA, and partner law enforcement agencies in combating transnational drug trafficking.
“The interception and turnover of these illegal drugs highlight the effectiveness of our coordinated operations and our firm commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks,” Bathan said.
Meanwhile, District Collector Jairus S. Reyes underscored the Port of Clark’s vigilance in preventing the entry of prohibited substances and safeguarding communities from the dangers of illegal drugs.
Commissioner Nepomuceno reiterated the Bureau’s strong stance against smuggling, warning that authorities will remain relentless in pursuing those involved in the illegal drug trade and ensuring they are held accountable under the law.
As of April 2026, the BOC has seized a total of ₱2.531 billion worth of illegal drugs. From January 2025 to April 2026, the Bureau has also successfully filed six criminal cases related to dangerous drugs before the Department of Justice.