CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Authorities arrested three Chinese nationals at Clark International Airport after discovering nearly 47 kilograms of suspected marijuana in their luggage during a routine inspection.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) identified the suspects as alias “Ang See,” 39; “Kim Tan,” 27; and “Li Ching,” 30.
Airport authorities said the three passengers arrived from Bangkok, Thailand and were bound for Hong Kong when customs officers flagged their bags during screening.
Inside the luggage, officers found 46,533.3 grams of suspected high-grade marijuana with an estimated street value of P69.8 million.
“The operation reflects the continuous vigilance of our agencies in intercepting illegal drugs at entry and exit points,” a Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark spokesperson said.
The suspects are now under the custody of PDEA Central Luzon for further investigation. The seized substance will be sent to the PDEA Regional Office 3 laboratory for forensic examination.
The operation involved the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 3, the PNP Aviation Security Group Regional Unit 3, and the National Bureau of Investigation Pampanga District Office.
Authorities said charges will be filed under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Clark International Airport has become one of the country’s growing international gateways, handling flights across Asia and the Middle East. Law enforcement agencies have stepped up screening and intelligence operations as passenger traffic increases.
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