BIG HAUL. Members of the Clark-Drug Interdiction Task Group (DITG) account for PHP16.1 million worth of kush seized at the Clark Freeport Zone on Monday (Aug. 19, 2024). The contraband was concealed in two wooden crates declared as sofa sets. (Photo courtesy of PNP AVSEGROUP)
MANILA – Authorities intercepted two wooden crates containing kush (high-grade marijuana) worth PHP17.1 million at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga province, a police official said on Tuesday.
Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) chief Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said the wooden crates declared as sofa sets were flagged during an X-ray inspection by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other members of the Clark-Drug Interdiction Task Group (DITG) on Monday.
“There were no actual sofa sets. It was examined because of its suspicious content and apparently, the shipment was from Bangkok and the consignee is here in the Philippines. We will not reveal yet kung sino yung consignee (who the consignee is),” Abrahano said in a phone interview.
The shipment was subject to a paneling operation where a narcotics detection dog alerted authorities on the presence of illegal substances, he added.
Upon further inspection, DITG members discovered 23 transparent plastic bags containing around 10.406 kg. of high-grade marijuana kush hidden within the crates.
The seized drugs were sent to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for further analysis while the consignee whose address is in Hermosa, Bataan will be facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002."
“Once we catch the consignee and obtain enough evidence, we will file a case," Abrahano said.
An inventory of the seized contraband was conducted in the presence of local officials, including a representative from the Office of the City Prosecutor of Mabalacat, Pampanga. (PNA)
