BOC Seizes P38.8M Worth of Marijuana at Manila Port

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MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted a shipment containing P38.8 million worth of dried marijuana at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) from Thailand.


The shipment, which was declared as plastic tableware, kitchenware, blankets, and men’s shoes, was flagged by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) following a tip-off about illegal drugs and misdeclared items.


Discovery and Details


CIIS Director Verne Enciso reported that initial x-ray scans conducted on July 31 and August 1 detected the suspected marijuana inside 78 boxes. A 100% physical examination on August 2 confirmed the presence of 99 heat-sealed packages containing the illegal substance.


The marijuana was found in three large boxes, with 27, 40, and 32 pieces of heat-sealed plastic packages respectively. The shipment sender was identified as Wilma Bulahagui, with Erickson Bulahagui as the recipient.


Official Statements and Actions


Following a request for a thorough inspection from the CIIS field station at MICP, various agencies including the Enforcement and Security Service, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) witnessed the examination. The suspected items were secured and returned to the container van for safekeeping, pending inventory and confirmatory testing by PDEA.


Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the BOC’s dedication to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to combat the illegal drug trade. Rubio assured the public that the BOC remains vigilant and equipped to prevent the entry of drugs into the country.


In his recent State of the Nation Address, President Marcos highlighted the success of his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, noting that it has resulted in the seizure of P44 billion worth of illegal substances and the arrest of over 97,000 individuals in more than 71,500 operations.

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