CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark seized about 6,156 grams of ketamine worth P30.78 million declared as solar cables.
Authorities reported that the parcel arrived from the Netherlands and was bound for Pasig City.
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a K-9 sniff test, which yielded positive indications for narcotics.
Samples submitted to PDEA for chemical analysis confirmed the substance as ketamine, which is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the parcel for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act in relation to RA 9165.
BOC Port of Clark District Collector Jairus Reyes stressed these operations highlight the port’s sustained vigilance against drug smuggling, and noted the importance of advancing Customs capabilities in combating sophisticated smuggling methods.
“Smugglers continue to evolve their tactics, and so must we. Strengthening our profiling systems and continuously building the expertise of our examiners are key to staying ahead and protecting our borders,” he said.
For his part, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the broader impact of the agency’s enforcement efforts on Filipino communities.
“Every drug shipment we stop represents lives protected and families spared from harm. This is not just enforcement—it is our duty to safeguard the well-being of every Filipino,” he said.
BOC remains steadfast in securing the country’s borders and protecting the Filipino people from the dangers of illegal drugs. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco)
