The Bureau of Customs has intercepted an attempt to smuggle approximately P37 million worth of marijuana, also known as dried kush, at the Manila port following a thorough physical inspection and x-ray scanning.
On Friday, April 12, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) uncovered the illicit substances concealed in a container.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said a comprehensive investigation including a 100 percent physical examination and x-ray scanning of the shipment revealed the presence of six boxes containing a total of 30,952 grams (30.952 kilograms) of suspected dried marijuana.
“We have been receiving reports about shipments containing marijuana crossing our borders and our officers have exemplified commitment and dedication in exercising vigilance against these types of activities,” Rubio said.
“This latest operation shows the relentlessness and the audacity of these criminals in thinking they can get away with smuggling this huge amount of illicit drugs,” he added.
Following profiling and receipt of derogatory information indicating that the balikbayan boxes from Thailand may contain illegal drugs, the CIIS-MICP requested a thorough physical examination of the shipment.
The boxes were found to contain marijuana in varying quantities: the first box held two pouches weighing 200 grams each and nine pouches weighing 500 grams each, while the second box contained 10 pouches weighing 500 grams each.
In the third box, there were 10 pouches with weights ranging from 263 grams to 1,013 grams; the fourth box held 10 pouches weighing 500 grams each and one pouch weighing 340 grams; and the fifth box contained 10 pouches weighing 500 grams each.
The consignees, senders, and recipients of the balikbayan boxes may potentially face charges for violating Section 118 (prohibited importation and exportation) and Section 1400 (misdeclaration in goods declaration) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in connection with Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) of the same act, as well as Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).