BOC intercepts P37-M worth of marijuana at MICP

Bureau of Customs (BOC) | FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Over P37 million worth of dried marijuana leaves or “kush” inside a small baggage had been intercepted at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Sunday.

BOC said a physical examination and x-ray scanning on April 12 led to the discovery of the 30,952 grams, or 30.952 kilograms of narcotics, placed in boxes inside a small baggage.

READ: BOC intercepts P102-M worth of marijuana, vape products at MICP

Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio said their operations stemmed from reports about shipments containing marijuana crossing the country’s borders.

According to Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services (CIIS) director Verne Encico said the boxes inside the baggage contained marijuana in various weight:

• The first box has two pouches with 200 grams each and nine pouches with 500 grams each
• The second box has 10 pouches with 500 grams each
• The third box has 10 pouches in varying weight: 530 grams, 460 grams, 666 grams, 549 grams, 461 grams, 1,013 grams, 750 grams, 263 grams, 494 grams, and 526 grams
• The fourth box has 10 pouches with 500 grams each and one pouch with 340 grams
• The fifth box has 10 pouches with 500 grams each
• The sixth box has 10 pouches with 500 grams each — five Alaskan igloo kush, two Hawali gold, two Blue mountain fire, and one Cherry haze

“There’s an intensified effort from these unscrupulous individuals to bring these illegal drugs into the country. We have seen in the past months how they tried to hide these in balikbayan boxes and the like. Fortunately, our frontline officers continue to employ an effective combination of enforcement mindedness and technology that led to this significant seizure,” Encisco said.

In the meantime, Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy said, “the marking of the seized goods is ongoing at the premise.”

“We want to make sure that our process is foolproof so we can prosecute these groups and individuals to the fullest extent of the law. Not only is their prosecution for the benefit of our people, but it also shows the agency’s support for our officers who have sacrificed so much to bring these people to justice,” Uy said.

BOC said the consignees, senders, and recipients of the balikbayan boxes may face complaints for violating Section 118 (prohibited importation and exportation) and Section 1400 (misdeclaration) in goods declaration in relation to Section 1113 (property subject to seizure and forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act No. 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.