The Bureau of Customs (BoC) on Sunday reported the seizure of P39 million worth of kush, or dried marijuana leaves, concealed in two balikbayan boxes that arrived at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) from Canada.
The contraband was seized after a 100 percent physical examination of the shipment last 5 February 2025, according to the BoC.
The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received information and requested verification and inventory procedures to confirm the presence of illegal drugs.
A team led by BoC and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents confirmed the presence of kush in 108 vacuum — sealed pouches inside the two balikbayan boxes.
According to CIIS Director Verne Enciso, whose team received the information that led to the seizure, the balikbayan boxes were shipped through U Mac Forwarders Express Inc. by Riza Munar from Vancouver, Canada, to John Paul de Leon of San Mateo, Rizal.
The items were declared as used household goods and personal effects from Canada.
“The physical examination of these boxes leaves no doubt that they shipped illegal drugs in the guise of used household items. The amount of marijuana we found will certainly hurt communities we swore to protect,” he said.
Meantime, CIIS-MICP chief Alvin Enciso said the first balikbayan box contained 56 vacuum-sealed plastic pouches of kush and one small plastic container with 60 unidentified tablets.
The kush in the first box totaled approximately 14,672 grams, as there were 262 grams per pouch.
He added that the second balikbayan box contained 52 vacuum-sealed plastic pouches of kush, also with approximately 262 grams per pouch, totaling 13,624 grams.
Based on PDEA information, the estimated 28,296 grams of kush found in the two balikbayan boxes has a total value of P39,614,400.
Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group Juvymax Uy commended the seizure as the balikbayan boxes were returned to their containers and secured with padlocks and seals.
“The commitment of our BoC officers and personnel to uphold public safety through these successful operations cannot be understated. They continue to be proactive and thorough, using their expertise, skills, and technology to stop contraband from crossing our borders,” Uy said.