Anti-narcotics agents of the Philippine National Police (PNP) discovered P30 million worth of high-grade marijuana inside two balikbayan boxes that were shipped from Canada.

PNP-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said the discovery of the marijuana inside the balikbayan boxes was an offshoot of the partnership with local forwarding companies as part of President Marcos’ order for a recalibrated drug war.

Matta said the two balikbayan boxes were turned over by the managers of the UMAC Forwarders Express, Inc., based in Taguig City after they became suspicious of their content since they remained unclaimed since they arrived in the country in October this year.

He said the two balikbayan boxes were subjected to inspection on Dec. 27 and led to the discovery of the 40 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 20,000 grams of Kush marijuana.

"This successful operation underscores our resolve to disrupt the illegal drug trade at every level. We are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the law," said Matta.

PDEG spokesperson Lt. Dhame Malang said that the outsourcing of marijuana from other countries was a result of the intensified campaign against the production and distribution of local marijuana syndicates.

“They import marijuana from international syndicates because of the tight monitoring against production and distribution of local marijuana,” said Malang in an interview.

“They take advantage of the Holiday season as part of their modus, knowing that this is the time when a number of balikbayan boxes arrive in the country and probably hoping that they would be able to sneak marijuana into the country,” he added.

Fortunately, he said there were several memoranda of agreements that were signed by the PDEG with forwarding companies in relation to the attempt to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs into the country. 

Malang said they have already identified the sender and the supposed recipients of the two balikbayan boxes, adding that they are now the subject of follow-up operations.