The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized nearly P22 million worth of smuggled ‘Kush’ marijuana and cigarettes in separate operations in Clark, Pampanga, and Davao.
Customs examiners found 2,318 grams of the high-grade marijuana worth P3,824,700 inside pieces of furniture. The shipment came from Bangkok, Thailand and was declared as “furniture.”
The bureau’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel flagged the shipment after suspicious images were observed and later detected by K9 dogs, confirming the presence of dangerous drugs.
The customs examiner opened the shipment and discovered 56 packs of dried leaves and buds hidden inside large black chess pieces such as the King, Queen, Bishop, Rook, Knight, and Pawn.
Meanwhile, joint Customs and Philippine Navy operatives seized illegally imported cigarettes worth P18.25 Million during a joint maritime patrol in the vicinity of Brgy. Camudmud, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao province.Vito Barcelo
Aboard a motorized wooden boat, government agents discovered 23,400 reams of illicit cigarettes.
District Collector Guillermo Pedro A. Francia IV issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the boat, and the cargo on board which will be disposed of pursuant to prevailing Customs laws, rules and regulations while the 10 crew members, were turned over to the Sasa Police Station for booking and filing of appropriate charges.