The Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intercepted two shipments containing 19.89 kilos of ketamine worth ₱99.445 million, as the government intensifies its guard against illegal drugs ahead of the holiday season.
The two parcels were seized on October 22, 2026 following intelligence information from the PDEA Airport Interdiction Unit.
According to BOC, the first shipment came from Switzerland and weighed 9,882 grams. It was declared as roasted coffee beans, a coffee machine, and coffee-making equipment and was consigned to Mandaluyong City.
The second shipment came from Amsterdam, weighing 10,007 grams. It was misdeclared as sodium bicarbonate cleaning powder and was bound for Montalban, Rizal.
Physical examination of both shipments yielded suspected illegal drugs, which laboratory tests by PDEA later confirmed as ketamine — 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 S. Reyes said tighter monitoring is needed as parcel volumes are expected to surge via air express carriers this holiday season.
“We expect more parcels to arrive through air express carriers. That is why we will intensify document examination and physical inspection, and ensure our X-ray machines are properly working,” Reyes said.
Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the seizure is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs.
“As we expect more shipments this holiday season, we will also tighten our watch. We will continue to strengthen inspections and operations to ensure illegal drugs do not enter the country,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC said it will continue to enhance intelligence-driven operations and coordination with partner agencies to prevent drug smuggling.
The post BOC-Clark, PDEA seize ₱99.4-M Ketamine hidden in coffee shipment first appeared on Pampanga News Now.