The Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) on Sunday said it has seized high-grade marijuana, also known as “kush,” from two balikbayan boxes in Taguig City.
In a statement, PDEG chief PBGen. Eleazar Matta said the seized marijuana items have an estimated street value of almost P30 million.
Police authorities initiated an operation after two warehouse managers of UMAC Forwarders Express Inc., personally reported and turned over the suspicious packages at the PNP-DEG Special Operations Unit-National Capital Region (SOU-NCR) office in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on 27 December.
Matta said the boxes, identified as UMTC435241 and UMTC435242, were recovered and inspected in the presence of media representatives, barangay officials, and a narcotic detection dog team.
The search revealed a total of 40 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 20,000 grams of Kush marijuana concealed alongside non-drug items, including canned goods, rice and clothing.
All seized drug evidence will undergo forensic examination, while non-drug items remain under PNP-DEG custody for documentation and proper disposition.
Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals connected to this case.
Stressing the importance of vigilance and community involvement, Matta praised the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the civilian sector.
“This successful operation underscores our resolve to disrupt the illegal drug trade at every level. We are unwavering in our commitment to ensuring accountability and upholding the law,” Matta said.