Nearly P70-million illegal drugs seized in Clark

THREE Chinese nationals were nabbed for carrying about P70 million worth of illegal drugs at the Clark International Airport, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) said.   

The BoC seized a total of 99 packs of marijuana from the foreigners weighing over 15 kilograms (kg) and valued at nearly P69.8 million.   

“During routine passenger profiling, the individuals were directed for X-ray screening. Suspicious images prompted a 100% physical inspection, which led to the discovery of a combined total of 99 transparent vacuum-sealed plastic packs containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be marijuana, commonly known as kush,” the BoC said.   

The Chinese nationals arrived in Clark from Bangkok, Thailand and were supposedly headed to Hong Kong.   

According to the BoC, the three suspects were also arrested after authorities from the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs determined that they had violated Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.   

In a separate operation on March 7, the BoC, alongside the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine Coast Guard, intercepted 80 boxes or a total of 800 kg of marijuana worth P1.2 billion from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port.

“This interdiction is the result of careful risk assessment, intelligence coordination, and the diligence of our frontline personnel,” Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said in a statement. “In line with the President’s directive to address drug smuggling, we are strengthening inspections and working closely with our partner agencies to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through our ports.” — Katherine K. Chan