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The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, seized a shipment with suspected ketamine, with an estimated value of P8.375 million, hidden inside a resin rabbit figurine
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The shipment was declared as an “Indoor Decorative Molded Polyresin Ornament”
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A K-9 sniff test yielded positive indications for illegal drugs, prompting a 100% physical examination
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Clark, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs, seized a shipment with 1,675 grams of suspected ketamine, estimated at P8.375 million, hidden inside a resin rabbit figurine.
The operation was initiated after PDEA supplied derogatory information about the incoming parcel from France, labeled as an “Indoor Decorative Molded Polyresin Ornament.”
Upon arrival, the shipment was subject to standard Customs inspections, including a K-9 sniff test that indicated the presence of illegal drugs. Authorities then carried out a full physical examination.
During the examination, authorities found a resin rabbit figurine containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be ketamine. Initial screening using a Rigaku Spectrometer also indicated the presence of the suspected contraband.
Ketamine has legitimate medical uses but is classified as a dangerous drug under Philippine law when unlawfully possessed, imported or distributed.
BOC-Port of Clark district collector Jairus Reyes underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country.
“Together with our partner law enforcement agencies, we share a single goal—to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and protect our communities,” Reyes said.
READ: BOC, PDEA ink MOA to strengthen anti-drug border enforcement
A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment for violations of Sections 1113(l)(3)(4) and (5) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to strengthening enforcement at the country’s airports and other ports of entry.
“We will continue to monitor our airports and other ports of entry. We will strengthen enforcement and ensure our Customs frontliners are equipped to detect and stop illegal drugs and other contraband,” Nepomuceno said.
