Bureau of Customs at Clark Port Intercepts ₱7 Million Marijuana Shipment from France
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Clark has successfully intercepted a significant shipment containing high-grade marijuana that arrived from France, with authorities discovering the illegal drugs concealed under a false declaration of "steel brackets and fasteners." This major operation highlights the ongoing vigilance of Philippine customs officials in combating drug trafficking through international borders.
Details of the Interception and Inspection Process
The suspicious shipment arrived at the port on January 26, 2026, originating from France and destined for Taguig City. During routine risk assessment procedures, customs officials flagged the container for further examination under the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP). The x-ray scanning revealed clear inconsistencies with the declared contents, prompting an intensified physical inspection of the shipment.
The operation was conducted through coordinated efforts between the Bureau of Customs and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID). A K-9 inspection unit from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) provided crucial support, with the dogs yielding a positive indication for the presence of illegal substances within the shipment.
Recovery and Confirmation of Illegal Substances
Following the positive K-9 indication, authorities conducted a thorough physical inspection that resulted in the recovery of:
- 10 plastic bags containing dried leaves and fruiting tops
- Substances suspected to be marijuana, specifically identified as "Kush" variety
- Total weight of approximately 4,664 grams (4.6 kilograms)
- Estimated market value of about ₱6.996 million (approximately ₱7 million)
Subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed that the seized substance was indeed marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Authorities emphasized that the shipment violated multiple provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863) in relation to drug trafficking laws.
Official Statement and Operational Significance
Jairus S. Reyes, District Collector of the BOC–Port of Clark, underscored the importance of this successful interception during his official statement. "This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of our multi-layered inspection approach and the strength of inter-agency coordination," Reyes stated. "Our risk profiling systems, combined with non-intrusive inspection technologies and collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies, remain crucial in our mission to stop illegal drugs at our borders."
The official further emphasized that such interceptions serve as a strong deterrent to would-be traffickers attempting to use Philippine ports for illegal drug distribution. The successful operation showcases how modern customs procedures and technology integration can effectively identify and intercept contraband, even when sophisticated concealment methods are employed by traffickers.
