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The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport intercepted eight inbound parcels containing marijuana at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City
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Seized drugs valued at about P3.7 million
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The 2,482 grams of marijuana or “kush” were concealed in clothing, dog food, and board games
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Customs officials stress tighter monitoring of inbound mail and inter-agency coordination
The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted eight inbound parcels containing illegal drugs valued at about P3.7 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City on January 22.
The parcels, which arrived through inbound mail, were declared as various consumer items, including clothing, dog food, and board games. Upon physical examination, authorities discovered a total of 2,482 grams of dried marijuana or “kush” concealed inside the shipments, which tested positive for illegal drugs.
BOC-NAIA, in a statement, said the operation was undertaken in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.
The seized evidence was turned over to PDEA for proper disposition. The interception constitutes violations of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as RA No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, particularly provisions on misdeclaration, unlawful importation, and regulated importation.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended the vigilance of frontline personnel at BOC-NAIA.
“The successful interception of these illegal drugs reflects the Bureau’s sustained efforts to monitor inbound mail and prevent criminal syndicates from exploiting postal channels. We will continue to strengthen our enforcement actions to protect the public from dangerous substances,” Nepomuceno said.
BOC-NAIA District collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in combating drug smuggling.
“This operation underscores the importance of close coordination among customs, law enforcement, and community partners. BOC-NAIA remains committed to ensuring that mail facilities are not used as entry points for illegal drugs and other prohibited items,” Mapa said.
READ: BOC-NAIA finds P21.4M worth of illegal drugs in unclaimed parcels
