Drug smugglers beware! The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Clark has delivered another powerful blow against the illegal drug trade, intercepting two suspicious shipments containing a staggering ₱99.445 MILLION worth of ketamine in a major anti-narcotics operation conducted in partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

This is no ordinary customs operation. It is a clear warning to international drug syndicates that Philippine borders are not open doors for their deadly business.

Under the watch of District Collector Jairus S. Reyes, the Port of Clark demonstrated that intelligence-driven operations, aggressive inspection and close coordination with enforcement agencies can deliver devastating results against drug trafficking networks.

The two shipments, containing a combined 19.89 kilograms of ketamine, were intercepted on October 22, 2026, following intelligence information received from the PDEA Airport Interdiction Unit.

But what makes this operation particularly alarming is the suspicious nature of the cargo declarations.

The first shipment, originating from Switzerland and weighing 9,882 grams, was declared as roasted coffee beans, a coffee machine and coffee-making accessories. Its declared destination was Mandaluyong City.

The second shipment, originating from Amsterdam and weighing 10,007 grams, was declared as sodium bicarbonate cleaning powder and destined for Montalban, Rizal.

Coffee products? Cleaning powder?

Behind these seemingly ordinary declarations were substances that laboratory examination by the PDEA subsequently confirmed to be ketamine.

The operation exposed once again how drug traffickers can exploit legitimate international shipping and air express delivery channels to conceal dangerous substances and evade authorities.

BUT COLLECTOR REYES IS NOT ABOUT TO LET THEM THROUGH!

With the holiday season approaching and the expected surge in international parcels, Reyes has made it clear that the Port of Clark will intensify its inspection and monitoring operations.

He emphasized the need to scrutinize shipping documents, strengthen physical examinations and ensure that X-ray machines are properly maintained and fully operational.

This is precisely the kind of leadership expected from a customs official entrusted with protecting the country’s borders.

Reyes understands that the holiday rush must never become a convenient escape route for criminal syndicates.

More parcels mean greater vigilance. More shipments mean more intensive inspection. And every suspicious package deserves serious scrutiny.

NO HOLIDAY BREAK FOR DRUG SMUGGLERS!

The ketamine seizure also reinforces the importance of the partnership between the BOC and PDEA in identifying and intercepting dangerous substances before they reach their intended destinations.

Ketamine is a regulated dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.‘s directive to intensify the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

The message from the Customs leadership is unmistakable: drug traffickers will face stronger border controls, tighter inspections and intelligence-based enforcement operations.

But beyond the impressive ₱99.445-million seizure is a much bigger challenge.

Drug syndicates are constantly changing their methods. They exploit trade channels, manipulate declarations and attempt to hide contraband among seemingly legitimate commodities.

That is why the Port of Clark must remain relentless.

KUDOS TO COLLECTOR JAIRUS REYES!

The latest operation sends a strong message that the Port of Clark is not merely processing incoming cargo. It is standing on the front line of the country’s fight against illegal drugs.

The seizure of nearly 20 kilograms of ketamine is a significant enforcement achievement, but the real test is sustaining that vigilance every single day.

To the international drug syndicates: Think twice before using Philippine air cargo channels for your illegal business.

To Collector Reyes and his men: Keep the pressure on!

Because when it comes to protecting Filipino communities from the deadly drug trade, there must be no room for complacency, no shortcuts in inspection and absolutely no surrender to smugglers.

₱99.4 MILLION WORTH OF KETAMINE STOPPED. TWO SHIPMENTS INTERCEPTED. ONE CLEAR MESSAGE: CLARK IS WATCHING!

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