BOC: Authorities seize P3.96M worth of high-grade marijuana

Authorities seized more than P3.9 million worth of high-grade marijuana, also known as "kush," according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

According to the BOC statement on Friday, operatives from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Clark Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), the Philippine National Police — Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and local officials from Barangay Dau in Mabalacat, Pampanga were involved in the operation.

The operation meted 2.644 kilograms of high-grade marijuana or “kush” with an estimated value of P3,966,000.

The shipment was declared “Handcrafted Artificial Flower Consisting of Roses, Jasmine, and Cockscomb Flowers” further examination revealed four (4) vacuum-sealed plastic pouches containing suspected marijuana or “kush.”

"Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the substance as marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under R.A. No. 9165, as amended," said the BOC.

"A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for the shipment for violating Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) (3 and 4) of R.A. No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165, as amended," the BOC added.

In the same statement, "District Collector Jairus S. Reyes commended the strong partnership between the BOC — Port of Clark and the agencies involved in the operation, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration in safeguarding the nation’s borders." —  Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News