BOC seizes P1.7-M marijuana in Pasay

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted eight inbound parcels containing illegal drugs with a total estimated street value of P3,723,000 at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City on 22 January.

The BOC said the parcels were declared as various consumer items including clothing, dog food, and board games. Upon examination, the shipments were found to contain a combined total of 2,482 grams of dried marijuana or kush concealed inside the declared items, which yielded positive results for the presence of illegal drugs.

The seized drug evidence was turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for proper disposition.

The interception constitutes violations of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act), particularly Section 1400 (Misdeclaration), Section 1401 (Unlawful Importation and Exportation), and Section 117 (Regulated Importation and Exportation).

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended the vigilance and persistence of the BOC-NAIA frontliners.

“The successful interception of these illegal drugs reflects the Bureau’s sustained efforts to monitor inbound mail and prevent criminal syndicates from exploiting postal channels. We will continue to strengthen our enforcement actions to protect the public from dangerous substances.”

"This operation underscores the importance of close coordination among customs, law enforcement, and community partners. BOC-NAIA remains committed to ensuring that mail facilities are not used as entry points for illegal drugs and other prohibited items," said District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa.