The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Subic, in coordination with its law enforcement partners, uncovered an additional 109 packages of high-end kush weighing approximately 123.91 kilograms and with an estimated street value of ₱204.44 million, following a continuing stripping and inspection operation conducted on the same vessel previously subjected to enforcement action.
The latest discovery was made after a composite team from the BOC, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED) conducted a thorough examination of the vessel. The inspection led to the discovery of the additional packages concealed onboard.
With the latest find, the total haul recovered from the vessel now stands at 198 packages of high-end kush, with a combined estimated street value of approximately ₱366.65 million. The continuing operation underscores the importance of sustained and coordinated enforcement efforts in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country.
District Collector Atty. Geniefelle Lagmay underscored the Port of Subic’s resolve to remain vigilant in carrying out its border protection mandate.
“We will continue to thoroughly examine and strip vessels when necessary to ensure that every possible hiding place is checked.”
“This additional discovery shows that our work does not stop with the initial apprehension. We will continue to thoroughly examine and strip vessels when necessary to ensure that every possible hiding place is checked. Together with our partner agencies, the Port of Subic remains relentless in protecting our borders and preventing illegal drugs from reaching our communities,” Lagmay said.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized that the operation supports the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and intensify government efforts against illegal drugs and other threats to public safety.
“This operation demonstrates that our enforcement efforts do not end with the initial seizure. Patuloy kaming makikipagtulungan nang malapit sa ating mga kasamahan sa pagpapatupad ng batas at magsasagawa ng mga masusing inspeksyon upang matiyak na walang mga iligal na droga ang makakarating sa ating mga komunidad,” Nepomuceno stressed.
“The BOC remains committed to protecting our borders and supporting the administration’s efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade.”
“The BOC remains committed to protecting our borders and supporting the administration’s efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade,” he added.
Following the discovery, the seized items were turned over to PDEA for proper custody and disposition in accordance with existing procedures.
The BOC and its partner agencies will continue to undertake the necessary enforcement and investigative measures in connection with the seizure.
