Formula-labeled cans yield marijuana. Contributed photos
CLARK FREEPORT – Marijuana weighing 11.569 kilograms with an estimated value of P13.2 million seized by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region III on Monday.
BOC-Clark personnel unmasked two shipments said to contain “whey samples” from California, USA which were later found to contain marijuana inside cans of healthy meal formula.
BOC-Clark said this was the result of strict profiling of shipments and x-ray examination.
During the physical examination on the subject shipment containing 14 cans labeled as “Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Comida Saludable,” the Customs examiner suspected some irregularities when the labels attached to the cans were found to be movable and not permanently attached. This prompted the opening of the cans revealing plastic sachets containing leaves suspected to be marijuana.
Said shipments were likewise subjected to K9 sniffing which indicated the presence of illegal drugs.
Thereafter, PDEA chemical analysis was conducted affirming the findings of BOC-Clark personnel.
On 30 March 2020, warrants of seizure and detention were issued by District Collector Ruby Alameda against the subject shipments for violation of R.A. No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The BOC said the Port of Clark will remain consistent to its mandate in protecting the borders against illegal drugs despite the risks of Covid-19.
