TWO claimants were arrested by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) following an intercepted balikbayan box which contained 12 kilograms of high grade dried marijuana leaves at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The BoC said the consignees were apprehended during joint controlled delivery operations on Saturday in Antipolo, Rizal.
The bureau said the parcel arrived at the Port of NAIA as personal effects from California, USA on Jan. 13, 2023.
During x-ray screening and physical examination at the PairCargo warehouse where the parcel was stored, it was discovered with suspected dried leaves.
When examined by operatives of Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA), it turned out to be high grade marijuana also known as kush.
The BoC said the seized items with an estimated street value of P16.8 million are now under the custody of PDEA, while the claimants, whom authorities did not identify, are currently undergoing custodial investigation.
They will be charged with violating Republic Act 916, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff…
