CLARK FREEPORT — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in a forceful show of border control, intercepted and seized ₱6.16 million worth of high-grade marijuana concealed inside a rug runner shipment at the Port of Clark, dealing another blow to international drug syndicates attempting to breach Philippine borders.

Acting on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the government’s anti-drug campaign, Customs operatives, in coordination with the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), uncovered 4.11 kilograms of kush falsely declared as a “polyester rug runner” from California, USA, and bound for San Mateo, Rizal.

The shipment was flagged after the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) detected irregular X-ray images, prompting a 100 percent physical examination. Customs examiners, along with operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other task force members, discovered a cylindrical container containing three black plastic bags filled with dried leaves and fruiting tops.

Subsequent chemical analysis by PDEA confirmed the seized substance as marijuana, a prohibited drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.

The shipment violated multiple provisions of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), including Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113(f), (i), and (l), in relation to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

District Collector Jairus S. Reyes underscored the impact of the interception, stressing that Customs will not ease up.

“This seizure demonstrates the strength of disciplined inspection and coordinated enforcement. Every successful interception is a direct strike against criminal networks and a concrete protection for our communities,” Reyes said.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno issued a stern warning to smugglers, reaffirming the agency’s uncompromising stance.

“The Bureau of Customs maintains relentless vigilance across all ports. We will continue to shut down illegal shipments through strict enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and zero tolerance for drug smuggling,” Nepomuceno said. “Those who attempt to use our ports for criminal activity will be caught.”

The seized drugs are now under proper custody for case build-up and prosecution, as authorities move to identify and hold accountable those behind the shipment.

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