SIX inbound parcels containing kush, a high-grade strain of marijuana with an estimated value of P4.5 million, was seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) headed by District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa, during its operation at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.
Mapa said the parcels, all shipped from Thailand and consigned to various recipients in the Philippines, were flagged by the BOC-NAIA during a routine inspection in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
A total of 3,231 grams of kush was seized, with a street value of P4,523,400.00.
It was learned from Dr. Mark John Almase, Customs deputy collector for passenger services at the NAIA, that the confiscated illegal drugs were turned over to the PDEA for further investigation and case build-up against those involved in the shipment for possible violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
Almase said that under the leadership of Atty. Mapa, the BOC-NAIA continues to enhance its screening and enforcement capabilities, ensuring stricter monitoring of high-risk shipments and stronger collaboration with partner agencies.
Mapa said that aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directives on border security and public safety, the BOC remains steadfast in its mission to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country as part of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio reaffirmed the agency’s vigilance, stating: “The Bureau of Customs remains relentless in its efforts to secure the country’s borders against illegal drugs which pose great risks to our countrymen’s health and safety.”
