Strengthened inspection protocols and tighter risk profiling measures of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) led to the interception of a large volume of illegal drugs, preventing an estimated 800 kilograms of marijuana worth P1.2 billion from entering local communities during a 100% physical examination of an inbound shipment at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) on 7 March 2026.
“This interdiction is the result of careful risk assessment, intelligence coordination, and the diligence of our frontline personnel,” Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.
The shipment, which arrived from Thailand and was declared as containing rubber mats and plastic wares, was flagged for verification by Intelligence Group’ Risk Management Office after undergoing risk assessment. Acting on the directive, authorities ordered a full physical inspection of the subject shipment.
During the examination, Customs examiners discovered 80 boxes containing vacuum-sealed transparent packs of suspected marijuana/kush, with an estimated total weight of 800 kilograms amounting to ?P1.2 billion.
BOC spokesman Atty. Chris Noel Bendijo said the interdiction supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to curb drug smuggling and reflects the intensified border security measures implemented by the BOC under the leadership of Nepomuceno.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Bendijo said an individual who identified himself as the broker’s representative was apprehended during the operation. Later that day, the seized items were formally turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) following the completion of required documentation. The apprehended individual was placed under custody for inquest proceedings.
The Bureau of Customs remains steadfast in supporting the President’s anti-drug agenda and will continue to strengthen enforcement, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency collaboration to protect the public and safeguard the country’s borders, he added.
