BOC CONFISCATES P5.8-M ‘KUSH’ FROM THAILAND DECLARED AS CRISPY BROCCOLI

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), intercepted 3,896 grams of “high-grade” marijuana commonly known as “kush” with an estimated street value of P5,844,000.

According to the BOC, the parcel originated from Thailand and was bound for Legazpi City.

Derogatory information from PDEA alerted customs authorities about the shipment, which arrived on March 26, 2025.

The following day, Customs examiners and PDEA operatives conducted a K-9 sniff test, which yielded a positive indication for illegal drugs.

This prompted a full physical examination of the parcel, which revealed 32 self-sealing packs labeled as “Crispy Broccoli.” Each pouch was found to contain fruiting tops suspected to be “high-grade” marijuana.

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

The BOC attributed the success of the operation to the coordinated and strategic efforts of the Port of Clark – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, the National Bureau of Investigation – Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice, and local officials from Bgy. Dau, Mabalacat City.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violating Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to RA 9165.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio lauded the operation, reaffirming the Bureau’s commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement, strategic collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and the effective use of non-intrusive inspection technologies.

Under his leadership, District collector Jairus S. Reyes of the Port of Clark commended the vigilance and teamwork of frontline personnel and partner agencies, emphasizing the Port’s continued commitment to enhancing border security and upholding the Bureau’s mandate.

The successful interception reflects the Port of Clark’s strong commitment to the marching orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has prioritized the intensified campaign against illegal drugs to safeguard public health and national security.