BOC seizes P366.65-M marijuana from yacht repaired at Subic port
The Philippine Bureau of Customs seized over P366 million worth of high-grade marijuana from a distressed yacht docked in Subic Bay for repairs. The contraband was discovered in the engine room after the vessel, crewed by Thai and Malaysian nationals, sought assistance due to engine trouble.
Why it matters
This represents a significant drug interdiction effort in the Philippines, highlighting the vulnerability of maritime repair facilities to international drug smuggling operations.
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Saturday, September 5, that authorities have recovered a total of P366.65 million worth of high-grade marijuana or "kush" from a distressed yacht that was brought to Subic Bay for repairs.
The BOC in the Port of Subic, along with partner law enforcement agencies, first discovered a total of 98.33 kilos of marijuana in the vessel on Wednesday, September 2.
On Saturday, September 5, further inspection and stripping of the yacht yielded an additional 123.91 kilos of marijuana contained in 109 packages, BOC-Subic said.
Authorities estimated the first batch of recovered contraband as having a street price of P162.2 million. With the second batch of marijuana valued at P204.44 million, the total haul now reached P366.65 million.
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