BOC intercepts P38.8-M marijuana

MANILA: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted some PHP38.8 million worth of dried marijuana at the Manila International Container Port. The illegal shipment was found in a container van, which was declared to contain plastic tableware, kitchenware, blankets, men's shoes and others, according to a news release Sunday. It came from Thailand and was consigned to Philippians 4:19 Export and Import Gen. Mdse. 'Initial x-ray scanning of the shipment last July 31 and Aug. 1 resulted in the detection of suspected dried marijuana inside 78 boxes,' the BOC statement said. A physical examination was conducted on Aug. 2, confirming that a total of 99 pieces of heat-sealed packages from three boxes were found to contain marijuana. The seizure came after the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) received information that a shipment on May 10 contained illegal drugs and requested a 100 percent physical examination. After the inspection, which was witnessed by CIIS, Enforcement and Security Servic e, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Environmental Protection and Compliance Division and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the suspected items were returned to the container van, which was then sealed and padlocked for safekeeping. The physical examination of the remaining boxes will continue on Monday. Source: Philippines News Agency