CLARK FREEPORT ZONE – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Airport Interdiction Unit (PDEA-AIU), intercepted a parcel containing Ecstasy tablets—commonly known as “party drugs”—ingeniously concealed in boxes of gummy candies and mixed with assorted food items, including Belgian waffle biscuits.
The shipment, valued at approximately ₱7.63 million, originated from Brussels, Belgium and was consigned to a recipient in Quezon City.
The operation was launched following derogatory intelligence from PDEA regarding the incoming parcel. A K-9 sniff test conducted by BOC examiners and PDEA operatives yielded a positive result for illegal drugs, prompting a full physical inspection.
The examination uncovered seven boxes of gummy candies concealing a total of 4,491 tablets suspected to be MDMA (Ecstasy). Laboratory analysis by PDEA confirmed the substance to be Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
A Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued for violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863), in relation to RA 9165.
The successful interdiction was a result of strengthened inter-agency collaboration involving the Port of Clark – Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, National Bureau of Investigation – Pampanga District Office, Department of Justice, and Barangay Dau officials of Mabalacat City.
District Collector Jairus S. Reyes underscored the importance of vigilance and synergy among enforcement agencies, stating:
“This operation sends a clear and strong message—the Port of Clark will not be a gateway for illegal drugs. Let this be a firm warning to smugglers and their cohorts.”
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to the government’s anti-drug campaign:
“This seizure highlights our dedication to intelligence-driven enforcement and secure border protection. Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we will relentlessly pursue aggressive actions to stop drug smuggling and protect the Filipino people.”