James Saberon
PASAY CITY — The Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) seized marijuana-infused candies, cannabis vape cartridges, and dried marijuana leaves concealed in inbound parcels at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on January 26, customs officials said.
The parcels, declared as candies, were flagged due to suspicious indicators and subjected to a physical examination by BOC-NAIA personnel, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
Inspection revealed 63 packs of marijuana-infused candies and vape cartridges containing about 19.5 milliliters of cannabis oil, along with approximately 3.5 grams of dried marijuana leaves. Authorities estimated the total street value of the seized items at ₱6,420.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the interception highlights the bureau’s sustained efforts to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through postal and courier channels.
“This interception underscores the Bureau’s continued efforts to detect and prevent the entry of illegal drugs through postal and courier channels. We remain firm in safeguarding our borders and protecting the public,” Nepomuceno said.
District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa said tighter inspection protocols and inter-agency coordination remain key in preventing the misuse of mail facilities for illegal activities.
“Through strengthened inspection measures and close coordination with partner agencies, BOC-NAIA continues to ensure that mail facilities are not exploited for illegal drug activities,” Mapa said.
The seized contraband and the claimant were turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition and inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Customs officials said the operation was conducted in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify border protection and strengthen the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
