THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has foiled an attempt to smuggle high-grade marijuana, also known as ‘Kush,’ through balikbayan boxes.
The operation led to the seizure of 75 sealed packs of Kush, with an estimated value of ₱55 million, demonstrating the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
The illegal drugs were discovered during a non-intrusive inspection followed by a 100% physical examination of a 40-foot container carrying consolidated balikbayan boxes from Long Beach, California.
Two balikbayan boxes were flagged for further verification, and upon unsealing, authorities found 75 sealed packs of ‘Kush’ concealed under sacks of rice. The contraband weighed approximately 39.325 kilograms, with a total street value of ₱55,055,000.
This operation, conducted in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement partners, follows an earlier September seizure of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) worth millions of pesos from the same consolidated shipment.
This constitutes violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in relation to Section 118 (Prohibited Importations) and Section 1113 (Property Subject to Seizure and Forfeiture) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno recognized the coordinated efforts of the BOC, PDEA, and other enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the operation reflects the agency’s commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify border security and combat the smuggling of illegal drugs. “The BOC will not allow our balikbayan boxes, symbols of love and care from Filipinos abroad, to be used as channels for illegal drugs,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
These consecutive operations highlight the agency’s heightened vigilance and strengthened border protection measures to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country. The BOC remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard the nation’s borders and support the government’s all-out campaign against illegal drugs for the protection of the Filipino people.
