Manila, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), seized four separate shipments containing suspected marijuana resin and high-grade marijuana, commonly known as “kush,” with a combined estimated value of ₱10.15 million at the Port of Clark.
According to the BOC, the shipments were identified after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) provided derogatory information, prompting authorities to subject them to thorough inspection and examination.
Two of the shipments originated from California, USA, and arrived in the Philippines on July 1, 2026. They were consigned to recipients in Caloocan City and Valenzuela City and were declared as “Custom Printed Wedding Photo” and “Letter Notebook.”
During a 100% physical inspection conducted on July 3, authorities discovered two packets of suspected marijuana resin in each shipment. The seized substances weighed 810 grams and 808 grams, respectively, with a combined estimated value of ₱2.427 million.
Meanwhile, two other shipments from Thailand arrived on July 3 and were both consigned to the same recipient in Taguig City. The packages were declared as “Used Clothing.”
During an inspection on July 6, authorities found four plastic bags containing suspected high-grade marijuana, or “kush,” in each shipment. The confiscated drugs had a combined weight of 5,142 grams and an estimated street value of ₱7.723 million.
Before undergoing physical inspection, all shipments went through standard Customs clearance procedures, including X-ray scanning and K-9 sniff tests. The examinations yielded positive indications of illegal drugs, prompting customs authorities to open and inspect the packages.
Preliminary testing using a Rigaku spectrometer confirmed the presence of cannabinoids. Representative samples were immediately turned over to the PDEA for confirmatory laboratory examination.
As a result, the Bureau of Customs issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs) against the four shipments for violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113(f), (i), and (l)(3) and (4) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to the amended Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized that preventing the entry of illegal drugs into the country remains one of the agency’s top priorities, particularly through air express shipments, which are frequently exploited by smugglers.
“Ang mga air express shipment ay karaniwang target ng mga smuggler. Kaya mahalaga ang patuloy na pagsasanay ng ating mga Customs officer at ang mas mahigpit na pagbabantay sa mga air express warehouse upang mapigilan ang pagpasok ng kontrabando,” Nepomuceno said.
Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes also commended the strong coordination between the Bureau of Customs and its partner law enforcement agencies in enhancing border security and strengthening the campaign against illegal drugs.
According to the BOC, the successful operation reflects the agency’s continued efforts to strengthen inter-agency coordination and border protection initiatives. Under the leadership of Commissioner Nepomuceno, the BOC remains committed to enhancing border security in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration’s goal of maintaining a safe and orderly Philippines.—Graciella Diez, Contributor