P39.6 million marijuana seized at MICP 

MANILA, Philippines — At least 28 kilos of marijuana, valued at P39.61 million, were intercepted at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported yesterday.

The contraband was concealed in 30 balikbayan boxes, which were part of a shipment of 419 boxes from Vancouver, Canada.

Emerson Rosales, PDEA National Capital Region field unit head, said customs personnel confiscated the boxes after they spotted suspicious items during an x-ray examination. When opened, authorities saw dried marijuana leaves inside.

The illegal drugs, weighing 28.29 kilos, were turned over to the PDEA for laboratory examination.

The shipper and receiver, whom the PDEA did not identify, as well as the forwarding company are being investigated for possible violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) also intercepted 3.55 kilos of marijuana, valued at P4.97 million, at the Central Mail Exchange Center of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Thursday.

Col. Rolando Cuya Jr., PDEG director, said the illegal drugs, stashed in six parcels, were discovered during inspection.

Cuya said the drugs were turned over to the PDEA for laboratory analysis.