BoC hands P30.78-M drugs to PDEA

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said on Monday that it turned over P30.78 million worth of ketamine to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Customs Deputy Commissioner Nolasco K. Bathan said that the turnover of the seized contraband reflects the agencies’ unified approach “to deter smuggling attempts and dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks.”

According to the BoC, the seized items were intercepted at the Port of Clark last month, following derogatory information received by the BoC from PDEA.

“The shipment was flagged for physical examination, while x-ray inspection revealed suspicious images, prompting further examination,” it added.

The authorities discovered six transparent plastic pouches containing 6,156 grams of ketamine concealed within a spool and wrapped cable wires.

“A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was subsequently issued for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and Republic Act No. 9165,” the BoC said.

As of April, the BoC has already seized P2.531 billion worth of illegal drugs.

“Legal actions were likewise pursued, with the bureau successfully filing six criminal cases related to dangerous drugs from January 2025 to April 2026 before the Department of Justice,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile