THE Bureau of Customs has uncovered an additional 109 packages of high-end kush weighing approximately 123.91 kilograms and with an estimated street value of P204.44 million during a continuing stripping and inspection operation on the same vessel previously subjected to enforcement action.
PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of boc
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SUBIC FREEPORT — Authorities uncovered an additional P204.44 million worth of illegal drugs during the continuing inspection of a yacht at the Subic Bay Yacht Club on 5 September, bringing the total estimated value of drugs recovered from the vessel to P366.65 million.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) Port of Subic said the latest haul consisted of 109 packages of high-end kush weighing approximately 123.91 kilograms, with an estimated street value of P204.44 million.
The latest discovery brings the total number of packages recovered from the yacht to 198, with a combined estimated street value of P366.65 million.
The vessel initially yielded P162 million worth of high-grade marijuana after docking at the Subic Bay Yacht Club three days earlier.
A composite team from the BoC, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Justice, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Law Enforcement Department conducted the continuing inspection that led to the discovery of the additional packages concealed aboard the vessel.
District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay underscored the Port of Subic’s commitment to remain vigilant in carrying out its border protection mandate.
BoC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the operation supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and intensify government efforts against illegal drugs and other threats to public safety.
“This operation demonstrates that our enforcement efforts do not end with the initial seizure. Patuloy kaming makikipagtulungan nang malapit sa ating mga kasamahan sa pagpapatupad ng batas at magsasagawa ng mga masusing inspeksyon upang matiyak na walang mga iligal na droga ang makakarating sa ating mga komunidad,” Nepomuceno said.
He added that the BoC remains committed to protecting the country’s borders and supporting the administration’s efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade.
The seized items were turned over to PDEA for proper custody and disposition in accordance with existing procedures.
The BoC and its partner agencies will continue their enforcement and investigative operations in connection with the seizure.
