Manila Customs Seizes PHP 38.8 Million Worth of Marijuana at International Container Port

MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized a shipment containing PHP 38.8 million worth of dried marijuana hidden within miscellaneous goods at the Manila International Container Port.

According to Philippines News Agency, the contraband was discovered in a container that was falsely declared to contain plastic tableware, kitchenware, blankets, and men’s shoes. Originating from Thailand, the shipment was consigned to Philippians 4:19 Export and Import Gen. Mdse. The initial detection was made through x-ray scanning on July 31 and August 1, which raised suspicions of illegal substances concealed within 78 boxes.

Further investigations were prompted by a tip received by the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) regarding the shipment’s contents as early as May 10. This led to a comprehensive physical examination on August 2, confirming the presence of marijuana in 99 heat-sealed packages from three of the boxes.

The inspection process involved multiple agencies, including CIIS, the Enforcement and Security Service, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. After the examination, the contents were secured back into the container, which was then sealed and padlocked for safekeeping.

The BOC has announced that the physical examination of the remaining boxes will continue on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal drug trafficking through commercial shipments.