MANILA – Authorities recently confiscated approximately 28 kilograms of marijuana, valued at P39.6 million, from a shipment at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) earlier this week.

In a statement released on Friday (07 Feb 2025), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed that the illegal cargo was discovered during an X-ray screening of a container, which raised suspicions due to questionable documentation.

On Wednesday, February 5, a Bureau of Customs inspector was tasked with opening and unloading the container, which held 419 “balikbayan” boxes. Of these, 30 were checked and revealed hidden marijuana.

The suspicious contents were subjected to a K9 inspection, which confirmed the presence of dried marijuana leaves. The total weight of the seized drug amounted to 28,296 grams, with a market value of P39,614,400.

PDEA’s investigation traced the shipment to Vancouver, Canada, and authorities are now pursuing legal action against the involved parties, including the shipper, receiver, and forwarding companies. They face potential charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Director Emerson Rosales of PDEA’s National Capital Region office reminded the public that importing illegal drugs into the Philippines carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines between P500,000 and P10 million.

ia/mnm

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)