By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Despite being neatly concealed inside balikbayan boxes, alert operatives of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle into the country dried high-grade marijuana or “kush” from Thailand estimated to be worth P76-million.
On Friday (01 Mar 2024), the BOC said in its press statement that the Manila International Container Port (MICP) immediately issued an alert order after its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received derogatory information about a certain shipment that allegedly contained illegal drugs and misdeclared or underdeclared items.
“Over the past year, the BOC has consistently demonstrated dedication in thwarting the infiltration of controlled substances across our borders,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.
With the help of PDEA, Customs operatives seized the shipment upon determining that it contained “kush” with an estimated value of P76 million found inside five balikbayan boxes, consisting of two smaller boxes.
The BOC claimed that the subject shipment underwent a 100% physical examination on Tuesday (27 February 2024), revealing approximately 63,360 grams of dried marijuana or “kush” that has a standard drug price of P1,200.00 per gram.
“The commendable success of this operation sends a resounding message that we will not be stopped in our fight to protect the nation from the dangers of illegal drugs,” Rubio added.
(el Amigo/MNM)