Bigger batch of high-grade ‘MJ’ seized in Manila

On Mar 29, 2024

Abusing Balikbayan boxes. Another huge shipment of high-grade marijuana (kush), this time valued at more than P337 million, was seized at the Port of Manila, March 7, 2024. Previously, last February 27, 2024, a similar shipment worth over P76 million was also seized at the Manila International Container Port (photo: BOC-PIAD).

A BIGGER batch of high-grade marijuana concealed in balikbayan boxes valued at more than P337 million was seized by the authorities at the Port of Manila (POM) last March 7, 2024.

In a statement, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said of the 18 balikbayan boxes examined, 5 boxes were found to contain 122 packs or 132.1 kilos of ‘kush’ marijuana valued at P158.52 million while 13 boxes were found to contain 344 marijuana packs weighing 147 kilos valued at P176.408 million.

Additionally, 3 packs of dried mushrooms containing ‘psilocybin’ a fungus that caused hallucination, and 2,234 grams of cannabis oil concealed in 1,117 pieces of e-cigarettes with a total value of over P2. 8 million were also found by combined operatives from the bureau and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The successful interdiction operation follows the seizure at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) last February 27, 2024, of some P76 million worth of high-grade marijuana from Thailand inside 5 balikbayan boxes (see related article here).

The BOC said both the forwarder and owner of the boxes, who were not named, are now undergoing investigation, according to POM district collector, Rizalino Jose Torralba.

“Under Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio’s leadership, ongoing efforts to combat all types of smuggling remain consistent,” Torralba said.

“We are dedicated to preventing smugglers from resorting to such tactics in the future. Safeguarding the integrity of balikbayan boxes, which hold significant meaning for us Filipinos, is crucial. Utilizing this tradition as a smuggling method is completely unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring that such actions are thwarted,” the official added.