CLARK FREEPORT – The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark have seized P17.169 million worth of high-grade marijuana, also known as kush, concealed in two pieces of one-seater sofas.
In a report posted on its social media page over the weekend, BOC-Clark said the shipment arrived on Aug. 6 declared as two pieces of “One Seat Sofa.” It was marked for inspection by BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after revealing unusual images. A K-9 sniff test also indicated the presence of illegal substances.
Upon physical inspection, authorities uncovered 23 self-sealing transparent plastic sachets containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana weighing 10.5 kilos.
BOC said the samples were subsequently taken and turned over to PDEA for chemical laboratory analysis, which confirmed that the said substances were indeed marijuana, a dangerous drug under RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), as amended.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued for the shipment for violating Section 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs f, i, and l (3 and 4) of RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), in relation to RA 9165.
BOC noted that the seizure of the high-grade marijuana resulted from a joint inspection with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group, National Bureau of Investigation-Pampanga District Office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and barangay officials of Dau. Mabalacat City.
“BOC pledges to prevent smuggling and protect the country’s borders and our citizens’ well-being against the dangers and ill-effects of illegal drugs and substances,” said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. Punto News Team/BOC-Clark
