The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark confiscated high-grade marijuana resin concealed inside a plastic bottle labeled as Keratin Hair Treatment, valued at P107,600.
Based on a derogatory report from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a shipment declared as "T-shirts" was subjected to X-ray scanning, which revealed suspicious images. A K-9 sniff test also indicated the presence of illegal substances. Upon physical inspection, the shipment contained jersey shirts, garlic salt, and one plastic bottle of Keratin Oil.
Field testing confirmed the presence of cannabinoids, and samples were sent to PDEA for laboratory analysis, which identified the substance as Tetrahydrocannabinol, a component of marijuana classified as a dangerous drug under the Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9165, as amended.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the subject shipment for violation of 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, in relation to R.A. No. 9165.
The successful seizure was done through the BOC-Port of Clark, PDEA, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, X-ray Inspection Project, Enforcement and Security Service, and Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service.
The Port reaffirmed its dedication to preventing illegal drug smuggling and strengthening border security at the Port of Clark.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the BOC's commitment to disrupting drug trafficking, highlighting the enhanced training and technology implemented across all BOC ports.
"These advanced resources allow us to address the smuggling attempts of drug syndicates effectively. Our agents also engage in continuous training programs focused on enhancing their skills and expertise while working alongside other enforcement agencies to reinforce our mission of protecting our country from the dangers posed by illegal drugs and organized crime," Rubio said.
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