(Bureau of Customs – Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service)
MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted an estimated P76 million worth of dried marijuana leaves inside “balikbayan” boxes from Thailand.
“Based on the information we received, the alert order was issued against this shipment because of the suspected presence of illegal drugs. We found around 12 kilos of marijuana per balikbayan box during the inspection,” BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service Director Verne Enciso said in a statement.
According to BOC, the shipment was consigned to Marcelo D. Laylo Cargo Forwarders, and was sent to an individual from Cavite.
It was originally declared as consolidated balikbayan boxes/personal effects from Thailand.
The boxes and the containers were examined by the assigned Customs examiner and witnessed by the CIIS, BOC’s Enforcement and Security Service, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, the Philippine Coast Guard, Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, Office of the District Collector, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Juvymax Uy said the BOC is now in the process of preparing supporting documents to track the individuals involved in the shipment.
“We are preparing the necessary documents to start looking into these individuals. Stopping the entry of these shipments into the country is one thing, but the bigger part of the operation is making sure someone is held accountable for such activity,” Uy said.
“The successful interdiction of illegal narcotics from entering our borders was possible because our officers continue to exhibit their experiences combined with the technology we now have. This operation shows our commitment to keeping illegal drugs off our communities because protecting the people is our duty,” BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio said.
BOC said the consignees, senders, and recipients of the balikbayan boxes will possibly face charges for violating Section 118 (Prohibited Importation and Exportation) and Section 1400 (Misdeclaration) in relation to Section 1113 of Republic Act No. 10863 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and other provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). (With reports from Barbara Gutierrez, INQUIRER.net intern)