High-grade marijuana intercepted

Bureau of Customs (BoC) and drug enforcement agents seized 2.09 kilograms of high-grade marijuana, valued at P1.89 million at Clark Freeport.

The BoC Port of Clark and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intercepted the package, which originated in Sacramento, California, and was destined for Surigao del Norte.

Reports said that Customs officials flagged the shipment for inspection after an X-ray scan showed anomalies. Inside a box labeled “Ink Toners,” agents found a black PVC cylinder containing 12 plastic sachets of marijuana, concealed in adhesive spray foam.

PDEA confirmed the substance tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, a prohibited narcotic.

The seizure aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s anti-illegal drug campaign, the BoC said.

BoC-Clark district collector Jairus S. Reyes emphasized the importance of training and capacity-building for customs personnel.

“By continuously improving the skills and expertise of our employees, we can better equip them to detect, prevent, and intercept illicit activities while ensuring seamless trade facilitation,” Reyes said.

The operation involved the Port of Clark Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation Pampanga District Office and local officials.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for the shipment for violating the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.