CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Clark and in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intercepted four shipments containing suspected marijuana resin and high-grade marijuana, locally known as “kush,” with a combined estimated value of ₱10.15 million.

The shipments were flagged after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) provided derogatory information, prompting Customs authorities to conduct heightened inspections.

Two shipments from California arrived on July 1 and were bound for Caloocan City and Valenzuela City. Declared as “Custom Printed Wedding Photo” and “Letter Notebook,” the parcels underwent physical examination on July 3, leading to the discovery of two pouches of suspected marijuana resin in each shipment.

The seized substances weighed 810 grams and 808 grams, with a combined estimated value of ₱2.427 million.

Two other shipments from Thailand arrived on July 3 and were consigned to the same recipient in Taguig City. Both were declared as “Used Clothing.” During physical examination on July 6, Customs personnel found four plastic bags in each shipment containing suspected high-grade marijuana, or “kush.”

The suspected marijuana weighed a combined 5,142 grams and had an estimated value of ₱7.723 million.

According to the BOC, all four shipments underwent standard Customs clearance procedures, including X-ray scanning and K-9 inspections, which yielded positive indications for suspected dangerous drugs. Customs officers then conducted 100% physical examinations.

Initial screening using a Rigaku spectrometer indicated the presence of cannabinoids. Representative samples were turned over to the PDEA for confirmatory laboratory testing.

The BOC issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipments for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said air express shipments remain a common target for drug smugglers and stressed the need for continued training of Customs personnel and tighter monitoring of air cargo warehouses to prevent the entry of contraband.

Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes commended Customs personnel and partner law enforcement agencies for their efforts in preventing the entry of illegal drugs through the country’s borders. (Ang Pahayagan Reportorial Team)