Ang Pahayagan

The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), successfully intercepted an estimated 800 kilograms of marijuana worth ₱1.2 billion during a 100 percent physical examination of an inbound shipment at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

The operation was the result of strengthened inspection protocols and tighter risk profiling measures implemented by the BOC to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country.

The shipment, which originated from Thailand and was declared to contain rubber mats and plastic wares, was flagged for verification by the Intelligence Group’s Risk Management Office following a risk assessment. Acting on the directive, authorities conducted a full physical inspection of the container.

During the examination, Customs personnel discovered eighty (80) boxes containing vacuum-sealed transparent packs of suspected marijuana, also known as kush, with an estimated total weight of 800 kilograms and a street value of approximately ₱1.2 billion.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio Nepomuceno said the successful interdiction highlights the agency’s strengthened intelligence coordination and the vigilance of frontline personnel.

“This interdiction is the result of careful risk assessment, intelligence coordination, and the diligence of our frontline personnel,” Nepomuceno said. “In line with the President’s directive to address drug smuggling, we are strengthening inspections and working closely with our partner agencies to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through our ports.”

An individual who identified himself as the broker’s representative was apprehended during the operation. Later that day, the seized items were formally turned over to the PDEA after the completion of required documentation, while the apprehended individual was placed under custody for inquest proceedings.

The Bureau of Customs reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign by continuing to strengthen enforcement, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration to protect the public and safeguard the country’s borders.