The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday announced the seizure of P29 million worth of suspected marijuana and kush oil concealed in balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The boxes, which arrived from Canada, were declared to contain used household goods and personal effects, and consigned to a residence in General Trias, Cavite.
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio condemned the use of balikbayan boxes for smuggling illegal drugs, emphasizing how it tarnishes a Filipino tradition of sending gifts to loved ones abroad. “Using them for something illegal is an insult to our hardworking OFWs and their families,” Rubio remarked.
According to the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), the boxes underwent a thorough physical inspection after receiving derogatory information. The examination revealed 20,990 grams of kush and one liter of liquid believed to be kush oil. The first box contained 9,809 grams of kush and one liter of liquid, while the second box had 11,181 grams of kush, all in vacuum-sealed pouches.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is P29.38 million. Representatives from various agencies, including the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Coast Guard, witnessed the inspection. Samples were submitted to PDEA for confirmatory testing.
Charges will be filed against the consignees, senders, and recipients for violations under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
