The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted an attempt to smuggle ₱55 million worth of high-grade marijuana, commonly known as “Kush,” through balikbayan boxes from the United States.
Authorities discovered 75 sealed packs of Kush weighing about 39.3 kilograms during a non-intrusive inspection followed by a complete physical examination of a 40-foot container carrying consolidated balikbayan boxes from Long Beach, California.
Two of the boxes were flagged for verification. Upon unsealing, officers found the marijuana concealed under sacks of rice. The total estimated value of the contraband was ₱55,055,000.
The BOC conducted the operation in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement agencies. It followed a separate seizure earlier in September, when methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, worth millions was also confiscated from the same shipment.
The smuggling attempt violated Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and sections of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) covering prohibited importations and property subject to seizure.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended the joint operation, stressing the government’s commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security.
“The BOC will not allow our balikbayan boxes, symbols of love and care from Filipinos abroad, to be used as channels for illegal drugs,” Nepomuceno said.
