The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted ₱39.6 million worth of kush (dried marijuana leaves) concealed in two balikbayan boxes shipped from Vancouver, Canada to the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
How the Shipment Was Caught
Authorities flagged the February 5 shipment after receiving intelligence reports. The boxes, falsely declared as “used household goods and personal effects,” were addressed to a consignee in San Mateo, Rizal.
Upon inspection, customs officials found:
📦 Box 1: 56 vacuum-sealed pouches containing 14,672 grams of kush and 60 unidentified tablets
📦 Box 2: 52 vacuum-sealed pouches with 13,624 grams of kush
Legal Actions & Charges
The consignees, senders, and recipients now face charges under:
🚨 Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (misdeclaration & illegal importation)
🚨 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (drug trafficking & smuggling)
PH’s Growing Drug Smuggling Problem
This seizure follows other recent high-profile drug busts, including:
🔹 ₱2.64 billion worth of shabu hidden in food shipments from Pakistan
🔹 ₱10 million worth of shabu confiscated at Philippine ports
🔹 ₱1.16 million worth of ecstasy seized at Port of Clark