Manila: Four shipments containing marijuana resin and high-grade marijuana, locally known as 'Kush,' with a combined estimated value of PHP10.15 million, were recently intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau, through the Port of Clark in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), stated that shipments from the U.S. and Thailand were flagged based on derogatory information provided by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). This information prompted Customs authorities to subject them to heightened inspection.
Two shipments from California, USA, declared as 'custom printed wedding photo' and 'letter notebook,' arrived on July 1, 2026, and were bound for Caloocan City and Valenzuela City. The shipments underwent physical examination on July 3, which led to the discovery of two pouches of suspected marijuana resin in each shipment. The substances weighed 810 grams and 808 grams, respectively, with a combined estimated value of PHP2.43 million.
Meanwhile, two shipments declared as 'used clothing' from Thailand arrived on July 3, 2026, and were consigned to a recipient in Taguig City. A physical examination conducted on July 6 uncovered four plastic bags in each shipment containing suspected high-grade marijuana or 'Kush,' with a combined weight of 5,142 grams and an estimated value of PHP7.72 million.
The BOC noted that the shipments underwent standard Customs clearance procedures, including X-ray scanning and K-9 sniff tests, where tests yielded positive indications for suspected dangerous drugs, prompting Customs authorities to conduct 100 percent physical examinations. Initial testing using a Rigaku spectrometer confirmed the presence of cannabinoids. Representative samples were subsequently turned over to the PDEA for confirmatory laboratory examination.
Warrants of Seizure and Detention were issued against the 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, in relation to Republic Act 9165, as amended. BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno underscored the importance of strengthening airport enforcement capabilities against drug smuggling. 'Air express shipments are common targets for smugglers. The continuous training of our Customs officers and stricter monitoring of air express warehouses are crucial in preventing the entry of contraband,' he said. District Collector Jairus Reyes commended the relentless efforts of Customs personnel and partner law enforcement agencies in strengthening border security and preventing the entry of illegal drugs.
