By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted four inbound shipments containing suspected marijuana resin and high-grade marijuana, or “Kush,” with a combined estimated street value of P10.15 million at the Port of Clark, dealing another blow to international drug smuggling operations.
The shipments, which originated from the United States and Thailand, were flagged after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) provided derogatory information that prompted Customs authorities to conduct intensified inspections.
According to the BOC, two parcels from California, USA, arrived on July 1 and were declared as “custom printed wedding photo” and “letter notebook.” The shipments were destined for recipients in Caloocan City and Valenzuela City.
During a physical examination on July 3, Customs personnel uncovered two pouches of suspected marijuana resin in each package. The confiscated substances weighed a combined 1,618 grams and carried an estimated value of P2.43 million.
In a separate operation, authorities also intercepted two shipments from Thailand that arrived on July 3 and were falsely declared as “used clothing.” The parcels, consigned to a recipient in Taguig City, were inspected on July 6, leading to the discovery of eight plastic bags containing suspected high-grade marijuana or “Kush.”
The seized Kush weighed 5,142 grams and was valued at approximately P7.72 million.
The BOC said the shipments underwent standard Customs screening procedures, including X-ray scanning and K-9 inspections, before positive indications for illegal drugs prompted authorities to conduct 100-percent physical examinations.
Initial analysis using a Rigaku spectrometer confirmed the presence of cannabinoids. Representative samples have since been turned over to the PDEA for confirmatory laboratory testing.
Customs authorities have issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention against the shipments for alleged violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863) in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165), as amended.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the need to further strengthen airport enforcement against drug trafficking, noting that air express cargo remains a favored route for smugglers.
He said continuous training of Customs personnel and tighter monitoring of air cargo facilities are essential in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country.
Port of Clark District Collector Jairus Reyes also lauded Customs personnel and partner law enforcement agencies for their coordinated efforts in enhancing border security and intercepting illegal narcotics before they reach local communities.
ia/xf
