MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Clark, intercepted 538 grams of high-grade marijuana or “Kush” worth ₱807,000, after discovering the drugs concealed inside a parcel declared as “keychains.” The shipment originated from Hong Kong and was bound for Biñan, Laguna.

The parcel arrived on November 15, 2025 and was flagged by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after suspicious images appeared during scanning. On November 19, operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a K-9 sniff test that yielded positive indications for narcotics.

A full physical examination later revealed two boxes of “Labubu” keychains, each containing two sealed pouches of dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana. Chemical analysis by PDEA confirmed the substance as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d) and 1113 (f), (i), and (l) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), in relation to RA 9165.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno lauded the swift action of Port of Clark personnel and partner agencies. “This successful seizure… demonstrates our unyielding resolve in preventing the entry of illegal drugs into the country. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect our people and uphold public safety,” he said.

Port of Clark District Collector Jairus S. Reyes likewise commended frontline personnel. “The Port of Clark maintains a heightened watch against any form of drug smuggling… Our proactive operations safeguard the public from the harms of illegal drugs and contribute to building safer communities,” he said.

The interception supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify efforts against illegal drugs through strengthened border security and inter-agency coordination.