P238-M marijuana found in balikbayan boxes

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) intercepted P238.2 million worth of dried marijuana, or kush, hidden inside several balikbayan boxes from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso disclosed on Tuesday that the hot goods were uncovered in 12 separate balikbayan boxes that were subjected to 100 percent examination following “derogatory information” received by the CIIS-MICP.

“With the prompt response of the Office of the District Collector (ODC), we were able to apprehend the shipment and process it for a thorough examination. We then found hundreds of kilos of marijuana in a shipment originally declared to be consolidated balikbayan boxes and personal effects,” Enciso said in his report to Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

The 100 percent physical examination of the shipment was conducted by the assigned Customs examiner and witnessed by the CIIS, Enforcement and Security Service, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Philippine Coast Guard, Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, ODC and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Rubio said the operation wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of key government agencies and the bureau’s well-placed sources.

Five balikbayan boxes were consigned to Gerard Cruz and Erika Cruz, and found to contain 126 packages of marijuana with a total weight of 65,000 grams and an estimated value of P78 million.

Another batch of five balikbayan boxes were consigned to BKKCHCF SHN and found with 138 packages of marijuana with an estimated weight of 70,000 grams. The illegal drugs are worth more or less P84 million.

Two balikbayan boxes were found also with marijuana concealed in food packages and blankets, and consigned to Jonathan/ Francis Ayala. The marijuana weighed 63,500 grams and worth around P76.2 million.

Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy said that the boxes of marijuana were brought back inside the container that was then padlocked and sealed.

The container will be in BoC’s custody until the conduct of full inventory and its turnover to PDEA.