Authorities at the Port of Clark have halted the entry of a parcel from Hong Kong after discovering that it contained high-grade marijuana disguised as collectible keychains. The shipment, addressed to a recipient in Biñan, Laguna, arrived on Nov. 15 and had been declared as merchandise containing “keychains.”
Customs personnel first became suspicious when the parcel produced irregular images during X-ray screening, prompting additional checks by the Bureau of Customs’ X-ray Inspection Project. Four days later, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives conducted a K-9 inspection that indicated the presence of illegal drugs.
A deeper inspection uncovered two boxes labeled as “Labubu” keychains. Inside them were sealed transparent pouches packed with dried plant material later confirmed to be marijuana. Chemical analysis performed by PDEA identified the contents as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act 9165.
The shipment, weighing a total of 538 grams and valued at PHP807,000, was immediately subjected to a warrant of seizure and detention for multiple violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and its provisions related to prohibited drugs.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno reported that the discovery stemmed from coordinated inspections and strict monitoring of inbound parcels. District Collector Jairus Reyes said frontline officers demonstrated strong profiling and detection capabilities, adding, “The Port of Clark maintains a heightened watch against any form of drug smuggling. Our proactive operations safeguard the public from the harms of illegal drugs and contribute to building safer communities.”
