The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Clark and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intercepted four shipments containing marijuana resin and high-grade marijuana or “Kush” worth an estimated ₱10.15 million.

The shipments, flagged through derogatory information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), originated from California, USA, and Thailand.

Two parcels from California, declared as “Custom Printed Wedding Photo” and “Letter Notebook,” were bound for Caloocan and Valenzuela cities. During inspection, Customs personnel discovered suspected marijuana resin weighing a combined 1,618 grams, valued at approximately ₱2.43 million.

Meanwhile, two shipments from Thailand declared as “Used Clothing” and consigned to the same recipient in Taguig City yielded suspected high-grade marijuana or “Kush” weighing 5,142 grams, with an estimated value of ₱7.72 million.

All shipments underwent X-ray screening and K-9 inspections before 100-percent physical examinations were conducted after positive indications for illegal drugs. Initial testing using a Rigaku spectrometer confirmed the presence of cannabinoids, while representative samples were turned over to the PDEA for confirmatory laboratory examination.

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

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno stressed the need to further strengthen airport enforcement against drug smuggling, noting that air express shipments remain a common target of smugglers and highlighting the importance of continuous training for Customs personnel and tighter monitoring of air express warehouses.

Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes also lauded Customs personnel and partner law enforcement agencies for their sustained efforts in protecting the country’s borders and preventing the entry of illegal drugs.