BOC seizes PHP37M worth of smuggled marijuana at Manila port

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized smuggled dried kush worth PHP37.1 million at the Manila International Container Port on Friday, April 12.

Physical examination and X-ray scanning led to the discovery of six boxes containing a total of 30.952 kilograms of marijuana in various pouches ranging from 200 grams to 1,013 grams.

Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio emphasized that this operation demonstrates the persistence of criminals attempting to evade detection with increasingly sophisticated methods.

The shipment was inspected at a designated examination area with multiple agencies present, including Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), Enforcement and Security Service, Philippine Coast Guard, Environmental Protection and Compliance Division, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Customs officials are currently marking the seized goods to ensure proper prosecution of those involved in the illegal drug shipment under Sections 118, 1400, and 1113 of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and Republic Act No. 9165.