Authorities intercepted around 800 kilograms of marijuana valued at ₱1.2 billion during an inspection of an inbound shipment at the Manila International Container Port on March 7, preventing the illegal drugs from entering local communities.

The seizure resulted from strengthened inspection protocols and tighter risk profiling measures implemented by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in line with the directive of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify efforts against drug smuggling.

According to the BOC, the shipment arrived from Thailand and was declared to contain rubber mats and plastic wares. It was flagged for verification by the bureau’s Intelligence Group–Risk Management Office following a risk assessment.

Customs authorities then ordered a 100 percent physical inspection of the shipment, which led to the discovery of 80 boxes containing vacuum-sealed transparent packs of suspected marijuana or kush, with a total estimated weight of 800 kilograms.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the successful interdiction highlighted the effectiveness of strengthened border monitoring and inter-agency coordination.

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

An individual who identified himself as the broker’s representative was apprehended during the operation. The seized items were later turned over to PDEA after documentation procedures were completed, while the suspect was placed under custody for inquest proceedings.

The BOC said it will continue to enhance enforcement operations, intelligence sharing, and coordination with partner agencies to strengthen border protection and support the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.