MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Clark and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), has seized 712 grams of high-grade marijuana or kush valued at approximately ₱1.068 million.

The shipment, declared as “jeans,” originated from California, United States, and arrived in the Philippines during the second week of January 2026, bound for Batangas.

The parcel was flagged by the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) due to suspicious images, prompting Customs Examiners to conduct a 100% physical examination in the presence of operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other members of the CRK-IATFAID.

During the examination, authorities found a plastic bag containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be marijuana.

Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which confirmed the presence of marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.

A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violating Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) (3) and (4) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to R.A. No. 9165.

District Collector Jairus S. Reyes said, “This seizure reflects our firm resolve to keep our airport gateways secure and to prevent illegal drugs from reaching our communities.”

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reiterated the agency’s commitment in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national security priorities, saying, “Our officers, in close coordination with law enforcement partners, remain steadfast and vigilant, leaving no stone unturned in our mission to protect our borders. By consistently pursuing this collective effort, we strive to create a safer environment for the public and keep our communities safe from illegal drugs.”