P1.37-M ‘HIGH-GRADE’ MARIJUANA FROM THAILAND INTERCEPTED IN CLARK

BY KEVIN GALANG

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Operatives of the  Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark intercepted “high-grade” marijuana  worth P1.37 million declared as food spices, condiments and groceries from Bangkok, Thailand.

BOC Port of Clark District collector Jairus Reyes said the confiscation stemmed from derogatory information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), prompting the assigned examiner to conduct a full physical examination of the shipment upon arrival at the airport.

The shipment consisted of 26 packages with powdery substance and four packages with dried marijuana leaves and fruiting tops weighing 914 grams and worth P1,371,000.

Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the substance as tetrahydrocannabinol or marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165.

Reyes attributed the success of the operation to the coordinated efforts of the Port of Clark – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, PNP Aviation Security Group, National Bureau of Investigation- Pampanga District Office, Department of Justice and local officials of Bgy. Dau, City of Mabalacat, Pampanga.

A warrant of Seizure and Detention was subsequently issued against the shipment for violations of Sections 118(g), 119 (d) and 1113 paragraphs f, i, and l (3 and 4) of R. A. No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugc Act of 2002.

Reyes reiterated the Port of Clark’s commitment to the BOC’s anti-drug efforts, in line with Customs Commissioner Bienvenido R. Rubio’s priority agenda to curb smuggling in all its forms, ultimately bolstering national security and prioritizing the welfare of the Filipinos.