Port of Clark seizes over ₱10 million ‘MJ’ from US, Thailand

THE Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs at the Port of Clark (CRK-IATFAID) foiled another attempt to sneak in high-grade marijuana (‘Kush’) and cannabis resin into the country concealed in four separate shipments coming from the United States and Thailand.

In a statement on July 14, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the shipments were immediately flagged and diligent inspection conducted based on the information provided by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), which is a key member of the inter-agency task force.

The value of the confiscated contraband was placed at ₱10.15 million.

Two shipments from California, USA that arrived on July 1 for delivery to addresses in Caloocan and Valenzuela declared as “Custom Printed Wedding Photo” and “Letter Notebook,” respectively, were immediately flagged on arrival.

The actual inspection two days later resulted 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 ₱2.427 million.

The other two shipments from Thailand declared as “used clothing” arrived on July 3 consigned to a recipient in Taguig City.

The physical examination conducted on July 6 uncovered four plastic bags in each shipment containing Kush with a combined weight of 5.142 kilos and an estimated value of ₱7.723 million.

District Collector Jairus S. Reyes commended the relentless efforts of Clark Customs personnel and partner law enforcement agencies for the successful interdiction operation.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno underscored the importance of strengthening airport enforcement capabilities against drug smuggling.

“Ang mga air express shipment ay karaniwang target ng mga smuggler. Kaya mahalaga ang patuloy na pagsasanay ng ating mga Customs officer at ang mas mahigpit na pagbabantay sa mga air express warehouse upang mapigilan ang pagpasok ng kontrabando,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.