SMUGGLING OF 800 KILOS OF ‘KUSH MJ’ IN MANILA FOILED

On Mar 12, 2026

The rows of boxes of high-grade marijuana that supposedly came from Thailand being examined at the Manila International Container Port after it being seized by Custom valued at more than P1.2 billion. An elected local official from the Visayas among the person of interest in connection with the shipment (photo: BOC-PIAD).

THE strengthened protocols and partnership between the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) continue to deliver result as they foiled a major attempt to smuggle in 800 kilos of high-grade marijuana (‘Kush’) thru the Manila International Container Port (MICP) valued at more than ₱1.2 billion.

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 (RMO) and subsequently held for a full, 100 percent physical inspection.

During the examination jointly conducted by the BOC and PDEA last March 7, Customs examiners discovered 80 boxes containing vacuum‑sealed transparent packs of suspected marijuana/Kush, with a total weight of 800 kilos and valued at ₱1.2 billion.

A certain “Delfin” identified as the broker’s “representative” was apprehended during the operation.

“This interdiction is the result of careful risk assessment, intelligence coordination, and the diligence of our frontline personnel,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

“In line with the President’s directive to address drug smuggling, we are strengthening inspections and working closely with our partner agencies to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through our ports.”

Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement (DCE) retired police general Nolasco Bathan, in a talk with Pinoy Exposé, said they have been monitoring the shipment since its arrival several weeks ago.

A highly placed source at Customs said an elected local official from a province in the Visayas is a “person of interest” in connection with the shipment but declined to give further details as the probe is ongoing.