By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

DRUG HAUL. Authorities account for an estimated PHP39.6 million worth of marijuana seized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2025). In a news release on Friday (Feb. 7), PDEA said the seized items were found inside balikbayan boxes from Vancouver, Canada. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)

MANILA – Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents seized earlier this week some 28 kg. of marijuana worth PHP39.6 million inside a container cargo at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

In a news release on Friday, PDEA said the container cargo underwent X-ray procedure and was opened and unloaded by a Bureau of Customs inspector on Wednesday for having “questionable” documents.

Authorities discovered the contraband when they opened 30 out of the 419 “balikbayan” boxes that were inside the container cargo, PDEA said.

The suspicious items underwent K9 inspection and were later proven to be dried marijuana leaves.

More or less 28,296 grams of the drug were seized valued at PHP39,614,400, according to PDEA.

Based on the documents, the balikbayan boxes came from Vancouver, Canada.

PDEA said the shipper, receiver, and forwarding companies involved will be investigated for the possible filing of charges in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Director Emerson Rosales, PDEA National Capital Region chief, said importing illegal drugs to the country is punishable by life imprisonment and fine ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP10 million. (PNA)