The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt to smuggle 2,100 grams of high-grade marijuana, or “Kush,” worth P3.15 million at the Port of Clark.
The anti-drug operation was conducted in cooperation with the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and local officials from Brgy. Dau, City of Mabalacat.
The shipment, which arrived on October 21, 2024, declared as a “4Seasons Camping Sleeping Bag, Weatherproof Portable with Compression Sack, Adult 82x40x3” was flagged for inspection by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after suspicious images were detected.
Authorities discovered two Joog bags, each containing one vacuum-sealed transparent pouches, containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana, also known as “Kush.”
The smugglers attempted to hide the illegal substance by wrapping it in garments, but the BOC’s x-ray inspection and profiling expertise thwarted the attempt.
Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the substance as marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended.
Acting District Collector Jairus Reyes issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention against the shipment.
Reyes commended the team for their precise profiling and scanning, leading to the successful interception of the illegal shipment.
