Clark Customs Thwarts ₱34 Million Drug Smuggling Attempt
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in a coordinated operation with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), announced on Tuesday a major drug interdiction. Authorities successfully prevented the entry of 4.992 kilograms of shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱33.945 million, through a meticulous inspection process.
Rigorous Inspection Uncovers Contraband
Five suspicious parcels underwent standard clearance procedures, including X-ray scanning, which revealed anomalous images prompting further investigation. A K-9 sniff test conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) indicated the likely presence of illegal substances, leading to a comprehensive 100% physical examination by Customs Examiners. The parcels contained a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as confirmed by initial testing using a Rigaku Spectrometer.
Detailed Breakdown of Seized Parcels
The first parcel, arriving on March 30, 2026, from South Africa and destined for Batangas City, was declared as "Air Filters." Examination uncovered two air filters and four transparent plastic pouches containing approximately 2,004 grams of shabu, valued at ₱13,627,000.
The second parcel, from Uganda on March 31, 2026, bound for Dasmariñas City, was labeled "Textbooks and Briefcase." Inspectors found one black leather case with two sheets of black carbon paper hiding the contraband, weighing about 582 grams and worth ₱3,957,600.
The third and fourth parcels, arriving on April 2, 2026, from Zimbabwe and headed to Las Piñas City, were declared as "Documents." Authorities discovered black leather cases with white crystalline substances totaling 2,170 grams, valued at ₱14,756,000.
The fifth parcel, from Delaware, USA, on April 8, 2026, destined for Taguig City, was declared as "Polyester Clothing." A brown box inside contained 236 grams of shabu, estimated at ₱1,604,800.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions
Samples from each parcel have been submitted to PDEA for further confirmatory testing. The BOC Clark, under the leadership of District Jairus Reyes, emphasized its commitment to combating drug trafficking through enhanced surveillance and inter-agency cooperation. This seizure highlights the persistent efforts to secure borders against illicit activities, with authorities continuing to monitor for similar smuggling attempts.
