The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), seized two shipments containing a total of 19.89 kilograms of ketamine worth ₱99.445 million in an intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
The shipments, intercepted on October 22, 2026, originated from Switzerland and Amsterdam and were bound for Mandaluyong City and Montalban, Rizal, respectively.
The first shipment, weighing 9,882 grams, was declared as roasted coffee beans, a coffee machine, and coffee-making equipment. The second, weighing 10,007 grams, was declared as sodium bicarbonate cleaning powder.
Physical inspection uncovered the suspected illegal substances, which were subsequently confirmed by PDEA laboratory tests to be ketamine, a dangerous drug regulated under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
BOC Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes said the bureau would intensify document verification, physical inspections, and X-ray screening as air express shipments are expected to increase during the holiday season.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno likewise reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
The BOC said it would continue intelligence-driven operations and coordination with partner agencies to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.
