BOC seizes P1.068-M worth of high-grade marijuana from U.S. shipment

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently seized 712 grams of high-grade marijuana, also known as “kush,” valued at P1.068 million.

Declared as “jeans,” the shipment originated from California, United States, and arrived in the Philippines during the second week of January, bound for Batangas.

The parcel was flagged by the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) after suspicious images were detected. A 100 percent physical examination was immediately conducted by Customs examiners in the presence of operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), and members of the CRK–Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID).

The inspection revealed a plastic bag containing dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be marijuana.

Samples were taken and turned over to the PDEA for chemical analysis, which later confirmed the presence of marijuana, classified as a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.

A warrant of seizure and detention was issued against the shipment for violations of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 9165.

“This seizure reflects our firm resolve to keep our airport gateways secure and to prevent illegal drugs from reaching our communities,” said District Collector Jairus Reyes.

“Our officers, in close coordination with law enforcement partners, remain steadfast and vigilant, leaving no stone unturned in our mission to protect our borders. By consistently pursuing this collective effort, we strive to create a safer environment for the public and keep our communities safe from illegal drugs,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.