CLARK, Pampanga — Customs authorities at the Port of Clark, working with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, seized about 1,675 grams of suspected ketamine worth an estimated P8.375 million concealed inside a resin rabbit figurine, the Bureau of Customs said.

The shipment, which originated in France, was declared as an “Indoor Decorative Molded Polyresin Ornament,” according to the BOC.

Authorities inspected the parcel after receiving information from the PDEA. A K-9 unit indicated the presence of illegal drugs, prompting a 100% physical examination, the bureau said.

Inspectors found a white crystalline substance concealed inside a resin rabbit figurine. Initial screening using a Rigaku spectrometer indicated that the substance was ketamine, according to the BOC.

Customs issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment for alleged violations of Sections 1113(l)(3), (4) and (5) of Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

District Collector Jairus S. Reyes said the seizure underscored the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the bureau would continue strengthening enforcement at airports and other ports of entry to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and other contraband.

Ketamine has legitimate medical uses but is classified as a dangerous drug in the Philippines when unlawfully possessed, imported or distributed, according to authorities.

📸Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark