SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Authorities seized 98.332 kilograms of suspected marijuana, locally known as “Kush,” with an estimated street value of 162.2 million pesos from a sailing yacht at the Subic Bay Yacht Club in Zambales, officials said Thursday.

The seizure was made Wednesday, Sept. 2, during a joint inspection of the distressed yacht by personnel from the Bureau of Customs-Port of Subic, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other law enforcement agencies.

The Bureau of Customs said it acted on information that the yacht might be carrying prohibited or contraband items. The vessel, manned by Thai and Malaysian crew members, had sought shelter and repairs at the yacht club because of inclement weather.

The yacht had sailed from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and was originally bound for Taiwan, according to the BOC.

BOC-Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay issued a mission order authorizing the inspection and search of the vessel.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Law Enforcement Department, DOJ representatives, barangay officials, yacht club officials and other members of the composite enforcement team.

The suspected marijuana was discovered during the inspection and subsequently turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation, authorities said.

In a statement, Lagmay said the seizure demonstrated the bureau’s commitment to strengthening border security and preventing prohibited goods from entering the country.

The operation also highlighted the role of interagency coordination and intelligence-led enforcement in preventing the entry of illegal drugs, the BOC said.

The Philippine Coast Guard provided security during the transport and turnover of the seized items to the PDEA on Thursday. (Ang Pahayagan Reportorial Team)

📸BOC and PCG