THE Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark, together with the Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested the claimant of Ketamine worth P2,120,000 on May 18, 2023.
Initially tagged as suspicious by the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel, the shipment was subjected to K9 sniffing by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K9 Unit, which gave positive indications for the presence of dangerous drugs.
The shipment, said to contain “chocolates,” was immediately subjected to a physical examination that led to the discovery of one glass container full of white crystalline substances concealed inside a glass of Imperial Rose Scented Candle.
PDEA chemical laboratory analysis of the samples confirmed the substances as Ketamine, a dangerous drug under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was immediately issued against the shipment after finding probable cause for violation of Section 118 (g), 119 (d), and 1113 par. (f), (I), and (l)-(3) and (4) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to RA No. 9165.
Elements of the Port and PDEA proceeded with the conduct of a joint controlled delivery to the importer’s address in Pasig City, which resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old male claimant. Another male claimant is currently at large.
“We commend the vigilance of our Customs Examiners, XIP, CAIDTF, CIIS, and we also recognize the support of PDEA in our illegal drug apprehensions. The series of drug seizures at the Port of Clark proves our full commitment to the priority program of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to curb smuggling,” said District Collector Atty. Elvira Cruz.
“This is another successful drug bust that shows our consistent effort in preventing smuggling in all forms. Rest assured that the Bureau of Customs is further strengthening its enforcement and intelligence capabilities to protect our borders,” Rubio said.
