-
The Bureau of Customs-Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, seized two air shipments containing a total of 19.89 kilograms of ketamine valued at P99.445 million
-
The 9,882-gram first shipment from Switzerland, declared as roasted coffee beans, a coffee machine, and coffee-making equipment, was consigned to an address in Mandaluyong City
-
The second shipment, weighing 10,007 grams, came from Amsterdam, declared as sodium bicarbonate cleaning powder, and was bound for Montalban, Rizal
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Clark, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), seized two air shipments containing a total of 19.89 kilograms of ketamine valued at P99.445 million.
The shipments were intercepted on October 22, 2026, as authorities intensified efforts to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country ahead of the holiday season, the BOC reported.
Based on intelligence information from the PDEA Airport Interdiction Unit, customs authorities subjected the two shipments to physical examination.
The first shipment, weighing 9,882 grams, originated from Switzerland and was declared as containing roasted coffee beans, a coffee machine and coffee-making equipment. It was consigned to an address in Mandaluyong City.
The second shipment, weighing 10,007 grams, came from Amsterdam and was declared as sodium bicarbonate cleaning powder. It was destined for Montalban, Rizal.
Physical inspection uncovered substances suspected to be illegal drugs. Subsequent laboratory analysis by the PDEA confirmed that the seized substances tested positive for ketamine.
READ: BOC-Clark seizes P8.4M ketamine hidden in rabbit figurine
Ketamine is classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended.
BOC-Port of Clark district collector Jairus Reyes emphasized the need for tighter border controls amid the expected increase in parcel shipments during the holiday season.
“We expect more parcels to arrive via air express carriers. So we will step up our document reviews and physical inspections, as well as ensure that our X-ray machines are in good working order,” Reyes said in a statement in Filipino.
Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to implementing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.
“As we expect shipments to increase this holiday season, we will also step up our vigilance. We will continue to strengthen inspections and operations to ensure that illegal drugs do not enter the country,” Nepomuceno said in Filipino.
