PDEA finds P39M marijuana in two Canadian balikbayan boxes

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced that two balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo contained marijuana kush worth P39.6 million.

On February 5, customs officials intercepted the boxes after receiving intelligence reports and found a total of 28,296 grams of dried marijuana leaves inside 30 vacuum-sealed pouches distributed across two boxes.

Documents revealed that the balikbayan boxes originated from Vancouver, Canada, and were consigned to an individual in San Mateo, Rizal.

One box contained approximately 14,672 grams of kush along with a small plastic container holding 60 unidentified tablets, while the other held around 13,624 grams of kush.

The listed shipper, receiver, and forwarding companies are now under investigation for potential violations of customs laws and the Dangerous Drugs Act.

PDEA National Capital Region Chief Director Emerson Rosales stated that importing illegal drugs to the country is punishable by life imprisonment and a fine ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP10 million.