BOC seizes packets of marijuana-laced gummies at Clark port

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscates pouches containing gummies infused with marijuana at the Port of Clark on February 1, 2024. (Photo from BOC)

MANILA, Philippines — Customs agents have confiscated colorful packets of fruit-flavored gummies infused with marijuana at the Port of Clark, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Tuesday.

The package containing 10 pouches of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis-infused gummy candies worth about P88,000, and 40 grams of high-grade marijuana, also known as kush, was intercepted on February 1, the BOC added.

The Dangerous Drugs Board said in a previous statement that THC is a mind-altering chemical that may cause impairment of short-term memory and motor skills, and panic or state of anxiety.

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According to the BOC, the prohibited items were concealed in a package labeled as “sneakers” and were shipped from New York City in the United States.

“The parcel underwent x-ray scanning and K9 sniffing, both of which indicated the possible presence of prohibited drugs,” it noted.

The physical examination that followed confirmed that the package indeed contained marijuana, it added.

“Samples were then taken and turned over to the PDEA [Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency] for chemical laboratory analysis, confirming the presence of Marijuana, a dangerous drug under R.A [Republic Act]. No. 9165,” the BOC also said.

In a message to reporters, the BOC said the parcel’s consignee is not yet identified and is yet to be arrested as of Tuesday morning.