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PDEA: P39 M worth of marijuana seized in 2 'balikbayan' boxes at MICP

Philippines | National

PDEA: P39 M worth of marijuana seized in 2 'balikbayan' boxes at MICP

By Chito Chavez

_{(PHOTO: PDEA)}

Government anti-narcotics authorities seized P39,000,000 worth of suspected marijuana concealed in two "balikbayan" boxes during an interdiction operation at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

In a statement, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said that each balikbayan box contained 13 kilograms of suspected dried marijuana leaves inside a drum; three kilograms of dried marijuana leaves stuffed in a bedsheet; and marijuana leaves concealed in three boxes of cereals.

The operation was conducted at the MICP Designated Examination Area, Container Freight Station 3 on March 7, and made public on Monday, March 11.

No arrests were made during the operation.

The suspects face charges for violation of Section 4 (importation of illegal drugs and/or precursors and essential chemicals), Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002."

The operation was carried out by the PDEA, Bureau of Customs and Philippine National Police (PNP).

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