CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark successfully intercepted and seized 914 grams of imported high grade marijuana concealed within assorted items from Bangkok, Thailand.
BOC Port of Clark District Collector Jairus Reyes said the seizure stemmed from derogatory information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), prompting the assigned examiner to conduct a full physical examination of the shipment upon arrival at the airport.
The shipment declared as “Food Spices, Condiments and Groceries” consisted of 26 packages with a powdery substance and four packages with dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops.
Reyes said the shipment declared as “Food Spices, Condiments and Groceries” consisted of 26 packages with a powdery substance and four packages with dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops.
After a chemical analysis, PDEA confirmed the substance as tetrahydrocannabinol or marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165 with a street value of ₱1,371,000.
According to Reyes, the success of the operation is attributed to the coordinated and effective efforts of the Port of Clark – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, PNP Aviation Security Group, National Bureau of Investigation- Pampanga District Office, Department of Justice and local officials of Barangay Dau, City of Mabalacat, Pampanga.
A warrant of Seizure and Detention was subsequently issued against the shipment for violations of Sections 118(g), 119 (d) and 1113 paragraphs f, i, and l (3 and 4) of R. A. No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R. A. 9165.
