BUSTED. Customs officers account for the balikbayan boxes inspection that were found containing kush or high-grade marijuana at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on March 8, 2024. The BOC on Tuesday (March 12) said the inspection yielded a total of PHP238.2 million worth of kush found in 12 balikbayan boxes from Thailand. (Photo courtesy of BOC)
MANILA – Customs authorities recently intercepted some PHP238.2 million worth of kush or dried marijuana inside several balikbayan boxes from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
In a statement Tuesday, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) director Verne Enciso said the contraband was found in 12 balikbayan boxes consigned to different individuals during a 100 percent physical examination from March 3 to 8.
The inspection came after the CIIS-MICP requested the issuance of an alert order against the shipment containing the balikbayan boxes upon receipt of “derogatory information” that it contains illegal drugs and other misdeclared and undeclared items.
He said five balikbayan boxes consigned to a certain Gerard and Erika Cruz were found to contain 126 packs of kush weighing a total of 65 kg. and has an estimated value of PHP78 million.
Another batch of five balikbayan boxes consigned to a certain 'BKKCHCF SHN' contained 138 packs of kush weighing 70 kg. and has an estimated value of PHP84 million.
Two balikbayan boxes consigned to Jonathan/Francis Ayala were also found with 63.5 kg. of kush worth PHP76.2 million which were concealed in food packages and blankets.
The examination was witnessed by the CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service (ESS), Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Environmental Protection and Compliance Division (EPCD), ODC, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said that the boxes of kush were brought back inside the container that was then padlocked and sealed.
The BOC will place the container for safekeeping pending a full inventory and turnover to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. (PNA)
