Bureau of Customs Intercepts P1.068 Million Worth of High-Grade Marijuana at Clark Port
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has successfully seized a significant shipment of high-grade marijuana, commonly known as kush, at the Port of Clark. The illegal drugs, weighing 712 grams, have an estimated street value of approximately P1.068 million. This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Philippine authorities to combat the influx of dangerous substances into the country.
Details of the Seizure and Origin
According to reports from the BOC Port of Clark and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, the contraband originated from California, USA. The shipment arrived in the Philippines during the second week of January and was destined for Batangas. The interception underscores the vigilance of customs officials in monitoring international parcels for illicit activities.
Detection and Confirmation Process
The parcel was initially flagged by the X-ray Inspection Project due to suspicious images detected during routine scanning. This prompted a thorough physical examination conducted by Customs examiners. Upon inspection, the package was found to contain a plastic bag filled with dried leaves and fruiting tops, which were suspected to be marijuana.
To confirm the nature of the substances, samples were sent to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) laboratory for chemical analysis. The results confirmed the presence of marijuana, which is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, as amended.
Legal Actions and Violations
In response to the discovery, the Bureau of Customs issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the shipment. The seizure is based on violations of multiple sections of Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. Specifically, the shipment contravened Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) (3) and (4). These violations are in relation to RA 9165, emphasizing the legal framework used to prosecute such illegal activities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the stringent measures in place to prevent the entry of dangerous drugs into the Philippines, protecting public health and safety.
