In a joint operation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) — Port of Clark successfully intercepted 3,896 grams of high-grade marijuana, also known as “kush,” valued at approximately P5,844,000 on the black market.
The shipment, which arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, was intended for Legazpi City.
On 26 March, PDEA provided crucial intelligence that led customs authorities to inspect the package. The following day, customs examiners and PDEA agents conducted a K-9 smell test, which yielded a positive result for illegal substances.
This prompted a thorough inspection, revealing 32 self-sealing pouches labeled “Crispy Broccoli.”
Each pouch contained fruiting tops, later confirmed to be high-grade marijuana.
Samples were sent to PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the material as marijuana, a dangerous drug under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (R.A. 9165).
The operation was a result of strategic coordination between the Port of Clark’s 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 from Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City.
The shipment was promptly placed under a Warrant of Seizure and Detention for violating various provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and R.A. 9165.
BoC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio commended the successful operation and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes also praised the efforts of frontline personnel and partner agencies, emphasizing the port’s dedication to strengthening border security and carrying out the Bureau’s mandate.