BOC intercepts P337.73M worth of illegal drugs in balikbayan boxes

The Bureau of Customs has intercepted P337.73 million worth of illegal drugs inside 18 balikbayan boxes at the Port of Manila.

In a statement on Wednesday, BOC said five boxes were found containing 122 packs or 132,100 grams of marijuana worth P158,520,000, while 13 boxes were found with 344 packs or 147,007 grams of marijuana valued at P176,408,000.

The boxes also contained three packs or 560 grams of dried mushrooms containing Psilocybin priced at P312,592, and P2,494,037.60 worth of cannabis oil and e-cigarettes.

The BOC is now conducting an investigation on the forwarder and the owner of the boxes for possible violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

“We are dedicated to preventing smugglers from resorting to such tactics in the future. Safeguarding the integrity of balikbayan boxes, which hold significant meaning for us Filipinos, is crucial. Utilizing this tradition as a smuggling method is completely unacceptable, and we are committed to ensuring that such actions are thwarted," said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News