In furtherance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sustained push to curb the entry of illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), working with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), intensified border enforcement measures, resulting in the seizure of approximately 4.11 kilograms of high-grade marijuana (kush) with an estimated value of ₱6.16 million.
The shipment, declared as a “Polyester Rug Runner”, came from California, USA, and was intended for San Mateo, Rizal.
“Coordinated enforcement with our partner agencies is central to safeguarding our borders and maintaining public trust.”
“The Bureau of Customs exercises vigilant oversight at all ports to ensure operations remain safe, lawful, and efficient. Coordinated enforcement with our partner agencies is central to safeguarding our borders and maintaining public trust,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
Irregular imaging detected by the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) triggered a 100% physical examination, led by Customs Examiners and witnessed by operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other CRK-IATFAID members.
Inspectors discovered a cylindrical container concealing three black transparent plastic bags containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be marijuana.
Chemical analysis conducted by the PDEA later confirmed the substance as marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
District Collector Jairus Reyes emphasized the operational significance of the seizure.
“Preventing illegal drugs from passing through our ports is a direct safeguard for our communities.”
“This interception reflects the value of coordinated enforcement and disciplined inspection protocols. Preventing illegal drugs from passing through our ports is a direct safeguard for our communities,” Reyes said.
The shipment was found to have violated Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l)(3) and (4) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to RA 9165.
