Balikbayan boxes from Thailand yield ₱37-M marijuana

The Bureau of Customs foiled an attempt to smuggle approximately ₱37 million worth of marijuana, also known as dried kush, following a thorough physical inspection and x-ray scanning at the Manila port on Friday, April 12.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service at the Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP) uncovered the contraband concealed in a container.

Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said a comprehensive investigation including a 100 percent physical examination and x-ray scanning of the shipment revealed the presence of six boxes containing a total of 30,952 grams (30.952 kilograms) of suspected dried marijuana.

“We have been receiving reports about shipments containing marijuana crossing our borders and our officers have exemplified commitment and dedication in exercising vigilance against these types of activities,” Rubio said.

“This latest operation shows the relentlessness and the audacity of these criminals in thinking they can get away with smuggling this huge amount of illicit drugs,” he added.

Following profiling and receipt of derogatory information indicating that the balikbayan boxes from Thailand may contain illegal drugs, the CIISMICP requested a thorough physical examination of the shipment.

The boxes were found to contain marijuana in varying quantities: the first box held two pouches weighing 200 grams each and nine pouches weighing 500 grams each, while the second box contained 10 pouches weighing 500 grams each.

In the third box, there were 10 pouches with weights ranging from 263 grams to 1,013 grams; the fourth box held 10 pouches weighing 500 grams each and one pouch weighing 340 grams; and the fifth box contained 10 pouches weighing 500 grams each.