BOC seizes P38.8M marijuana smuggled from Thailand

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted P38.8 million worth of dried marijuana smuggled from Thailand at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) last week.

The shipment was declared as plastic tableware, kitchenware, blankets, and men's shoes, but was found to contain illegal drugs and other misdeclared items.

Three boxes were discovered to hold the dried marijuana in heat-sealed plastic packages.

The suspected items were returned to the container van, sealed, and padlocked for safekeeping.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will conduct further testing on the seized contraband.

The inspection of the remaining 75 boxes will continue on August 5.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stated the bureau is committed to combating the illegal drug trade and remains proactive in addressing the country's drug-related issues.

He assured the public that the BOC is well-positioned and equipped to detect and stop the entry of drugs into the country.