Government agents assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport intercepted smuggled shipments of kush, cannabis oil, and vape pens worth more than P4.5 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.
The eight parcels came from Canada and the United States and were consigned to certain individuals residing in the cities of Manila, Caloocan, Pasig, Makati, and Taguig, and the provinces of Cavite and Laguna.
The shipments were misdeclared as toys, sports cards, and jewelry – a clear case of technical smuggling.
Customs agents and members of the NAIA – Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) conducted the operation on Wednesday in line with the directive of President Marcos to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs in the country.
The Bureau of Customs noted that despite the government’s comprehensive anti-narcotics campaign, international drug syndicates continue to use the country’s postal system for smuggling prohibited substances and other “anti-social goods.”
Commissioner Bien Rubio reiterated the agency’s commitment to preventing the entry of illicit goods into the country.
He said they will continue to intensify border control and enhance its coordination with partner agencies to combat illegal drug smuggling.