The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a shipment from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) after receiving intelligence, leading to the seizure of an estimated ₱101 million worth of marijuana.
Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said that derogatory information prompted the holding of the shipment upon the order of BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.
Uy noted that a 100 percent physical examination was conducted on five out of 136 balikbayan boxes on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, revealing 72,178 grams of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated street value of ₱101,049,200.
He said that the shipment, declared to contain personal effects and household goods from Thailand, was flagged even before its arrival due to verified information indicating the possible presence of illegal drugs and misdeclared items.
BOC-CIIS Director Verne Enciso added that the five inspected balikbayan boxes were marked as containing beauty products, assorted shoes, and assorted dresses.
Enciso said that initial findings showed several sealed plastic pouches containing suspected dried leaves inside these boxes, and the inventory of the remaining boxes is ongoing.
Each of the five master balikbayan boxes contained two medium boxes, holding a total of 138 heat-sealed transparent plastic bags of suspected "kush" or dried marijuana leaves, with an estimated total weight of 72,178 grams.
Samples of the suspected dried marijuana leaves were taken by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents for confirmatory testing.
The five inspected balikbayan boxes have been secured back in the container van with padlocks and seals while the full inventory continues.
The consignees, senders, and recipients of the shipment will face charges for violating customs laws and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.