The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark successfully intercepted 472 grams of high-quality “Kush” marijuana, valued at PhP708,000, concealed within a shipment labeled as “Mens Vintage Threads Jean Straight Leg Fit (30/34) Girls.” The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, National Bureau of Investigation Pampanga District Office, Department of Justice, and Barangay Dau officials in Mabalacat City.
The shipment, which arrived on October 25, 2024, raised suspicion when unusual images were detected during an X-ray scan. A K-9 unit later confirmed the presence of illegal substances. A subsequent physical inspection uncovered two plastic pouches containing items with a yellow-orange, jelly-like texture, suspected to be marijuana derivatives, as well as a transparent plastic pouch holding 472 grams of marijuana fruiting tops.
Samples of the substances were sent to PDEA for chemical testing, which confirmed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and marijuana (Kush), both classified as dangerous drugs under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9165, as amended.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violations under Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in connection with R.A. No. 9165.
As per the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio affirmed the BOC’s commitment to combat illegal drug smuggling. “The BOC pledges to prevent smuggling and protect the country’s borders and our citizens’ well-being from the threats posed by illegal substances attempting to infiltrate our communities.” said Commissioner Rubio.#
