BOC seizes P807k worth of high-grade marijuana hidden in blind box toys

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has recently seized half a kilo of high-grade marijuana or “kush” worth P807,000 concealed inside blind box toys and declared as keychains coming from Hong Kong.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BOC said the parcel arrived on November 15 at the Port of Clark and was flagged after X-ray inspection revealed suspicious-looking images.

On November 19, operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) conducted a K-9 sniff test which confirmed indications that the parcel contained illegal drugs.

A full physical examination revealed that two boxes of doll keychains concealed 538 grams of high-grade marijuana or “kush,” secured inside transparent, sealed pouches.

The pouches contained dried leaves and fruiting tops suspected to be high-grade marijuana.

A chemical analysis by the PDEA further confirmed that the substance has tetrahydrocannabinol, the active component in marijuana.

The BOC said the seized contraband originated from Hong Kong and was bound for Biñan City, Laguna.

It added that a Warrant of Seizure and Detention was issued against the shipment for violating Section 118(g), Section 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

“The Port of Clark maintains a heightened watch against any form of drug smuggling. Our proactive operations safeguard the public from the harms of illegal drugs and contribute to building safer communities,” said District Collector Jairus Reyes.

BOC commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno also commended the seizure of the contraband, which he said demonstrated the government’s “unyielding resolve in preventing the entry of illegal drugs into the country.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News