The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a shipment from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) containing dried marijuana or kush inside five balikbayan boxes.
This interception, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), involved a shipment valued at approximately P76 million, where two of the five balikbayan boxes were smaller boxes, according to the BOC.
“The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) of the MICP received derogatory information pertaining to a certain shipment that allegedly contained illegal drugs and misdeclared or underdeclared items,” the BOC said in a statement.
Following the report received, MICP District Collector Romeo Rosales immediately issued an alert order against the reported shipment.
The subject shipment underwent a 100 percent physical examination on February 27, 2024, revealing approximately 63,360 grams of dried marijuana or kush that has a standard drug price of P1,200.00 per gram, according to the PDEA.
“An ongoing investigation is still in progress to determine if there is still a presence of illicit substances and other prohibited items concealed inside other balikbayan boxes,” the BOC said.
Acknowledging the diligence of the MICP and CIIS, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio expressed that: “Over the past year, the BOC has consistently demonstrated dedication in thwarting the infiltration of controlled substances across our borders.
“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,” he added.