Ang Pahayagan

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Authorities arrested three Chinese nationals after nearly Php69.8 million worth of suspected kush, a high-grade type of cannabis, was discovered in their luggage during a routine inspection at Clark International Airport on March 7, 2026.

According to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark, the illegal drugs were uncovered at around 8:03 a.m. during standard inspection procedures.

The suspects were identified by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Clark team as alias ANG SEE, 39; alias KIM TAN, 27; and alias LI CHENG, 30, all Chinese nationals.

Authorities reported that the suspects were carrying three pieces of luggage containing 99 transparent vacuum-sealed plastic packs filled with dried leaves and fruiting tops believed to be a high-grade marijuana variant known as kush. The total weight of the seized illegal drugs was approximately 46,533.3 grams, with an estimated street value of Php69,799,950.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects were transit passengers from Bangkok, Thailand, who arrived in Clark and were scheduled to continue their travel to Hong Kong.

Following their arrest, the suspects were placed under the custody of PDEA Central Luzon for tactical interrogation and further investigation. Meanwhile, the confiscated illegal substances will be forwarded to the PDEA Regional Office 3 laboratory for forensic examination and confirmation.

The interdiction operation was carried out through the coordinated efforts of the BOC–Port of Clark, PDEA units in Clark and Pampanga, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 3, the PNP Aviation Security Group Regional Unit 3, and the National Bureau of Investigation Pampanga District Office.

Authorities said the suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (Jason de Asis)

📸Three Chinese nationals were arrested at Clark International Airport after authorities discovered nearly Php69.8 million worth of suspected kush hidden inside their luggage during a routine inspection. The successful interdiction was carried out through the joint efforts of the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group, and the National Bureau of Investigation, reinforcing the government’s strong campaign against illegal drugs. (Jason de Asis)