Yesterday, April 26, 2024, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) along with the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group made a significant seizure at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Five parcels, originating from Canada and abandoned at the Central Mail Exchange Center, were found to contain approximately 2.5 kilograms of kush, valued at P4.5 million.
The parcels, which were left unclaimed, held a variety of declared items ranging from car seat covers to customized coffee mugs and custom décor. However, upon inspection, authorities discovered a total of 2,536 grams of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
Each parcel contained different quantities of the illicit substance. The first, shipped from Deer Valley to Poblacion, Mandaluyong, held 501 grams of kush. Similarly, the second parcel, sent from Ajax to Sheridan Towers in Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong, contained 500 grams. The third parcel, originating from North York and addressed to Angelo Bryan Vitor of Angeles City, contained 1,064 grams.
Additionally, the fourth and fifth parcels, shipped from Baltimore and Garden Grove, California respectively, concealed quantities of cannabis oil and more kush.
BOC-NAIA district collector Yasmin Mapa promptly seized the parcels and handed them over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for further legal action. Charges are expected to be filed against those involved in the smuggling attempt.