THE Manila International Container Port (MICP) on Sunday said they foiled the smuggling into the country of P38.8-million dried marijuana from Thailand, said the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio said the shipment was declared as containing plastic tableware, kitchenware, blankets, men’s shoes, and others,
But derogatory information that reached the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) said that it contained illegal drugs, misdeclared, and undeclared items.
Rubio underscored the bureau’s commitment to President Marcos’ directive of cracking down on the illegal drug trade, and stressed the need to be proactive in addressing the country’s drug menace.
“Even as these smugglers and illegal drug traders try to step up their game, I want to assure our people that the BOC is well-positioned and well-equipped to detect and stop the entry of drugs in our country,” stressed Rubio.
Rubio said CIIS Director Verne Enciso, who was at the helm of the intelligence report that led to the seizure of the drugs, identified the shipment sender as a certain Wilma Bulahagui, with Erickson Bulahagui as the receiver.
According to Enciso, the estimated value of the marijuana found in the three boxes was P38,808,000.
An inventory and sample-taking will be conducted by PDEA for confirmatory testing.
The physical examination of the remaining 75 boxes will continue on Monday, August 5, 2024.
