In a major blow to international drug smuggling, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced Wednesday that it had intercepted an estimated ₱101 million worth of marijuana concealed in balikbayan boxes from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
The seizure was the result of a targeted operation by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), which acted on reports indicating the shipment could contain illegal drugs and misdeclared items.
“The shipment, which totals to 136 balikbayan boxes, was originally declared to contain personal effects and household goods from Thailand. However, even before it arrived in our port, the CIIS-MICP already verified information that it possibly contained illegal drugs,” said BOC deputy commissioner for intelligence Juvymax Uy in a statement.
The boxes arrived at MICP and were immediately held for inspection. A physical examination of five balikbayan boxeson Tuesday uncovered 138 heat-sealed plastic bags containing approximately 72,178 grams of dried marijuana leaves, with an estimated street value of ₱101.05 million.
The inspected boxes were labeled as containing beauty products, assorted shoes, and dresses, according to CIIS director Verne Enciso. “So far, we found that the five Balikbayan boxes all contain several sealed plastic pouches that have what looks like dried leaves inside. We’re currently in the process of inspecting and making an inventory of the rest,” he added.
The contraband, believed to be “kush” or high-grade marijuana, was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for laboratory confirmation and further investigation. The five master boxes, each containing two medium boxes, were returned to the container van and secured with padlocks and official seals as the full inspection of the remaining 131 boxes continued.
