The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized 1.026 kilograms (kg) of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, worth P6.5 million, and 30 milliliters (ml) of marijuana at the Clark International Airport (CRK).
BOC Port of Clark on November 27 found the shabu in a shipment said to contain external aquarium filter and that arrived at CRK from the Czech Republic. After non-intrusive examination of the shipment revealed suspicious images, it was subjected to BOC K-9 inspection which indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) K-9 inspection team was also brought in and the dogs sat down after sniffing the shioment, validating the BOC’s findings.
A physical examination followed and results yielded two plastic packs of crystalline substances. Samples were taken to PDEA for chemical analysis, results of which affirmed that the crystalline substances were shabu.
A warrant of seizure and detention (WSD) was issued against the shipment for violation of relevant provisions of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and R.A. No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
And on December 3, BOC Port of Clark seized a shipment declared to contain nutritional supplement but was found to contain three bottles with markings of a marijuana leaf. Samples taken to PDEA for analysis were found positive for the presence of marijuana. BOC Port of Clark will also issue a WSD against the shipment.
The seized illegal drugs have been turned over to PDEA Region III.
Port of Clark district collector Ruby Alameda said the port will be maintaining heightened border security as this was the same season last year when the port apprehended P153 million worth of prohibited drugs.
From January to date, BOC Port of Clark has seized a total of P159.5 million worth of prohibited drugs.
