The Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured the conviction of a Thai national for illegally importing cannabis into the Philippines after the Pasay City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 116 found her guilty of violating the country’s anti-drug and customs laws.
The accused was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt for bringing 13 vacuum-sealed plastic pouches containing dried cannabis leaves into the country upon her arrival on August 14, 2024. The illegal substances were discovered inside a piece of luggage bearing her name after an X-ray examination revealed suspicious markings.
Authorities subsequently deployed a K-9 unit, which detected possible dangerous drugs. A physical inspection led to the discovery of the 13 pouches, which were later confirmed through laboratory testing to contain cannabis.
The court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment and imposed a ₱2-million fine for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. She was also given an additional prison term of eight years and one day to 12 years and ordered to pay a ₱5-million fine for violating Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The court further ordered her deportation after serving her sentences, as she is a Thai national.
Meanwhile, the DOJ commended Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Grace V. Pulido-Sadian and Prosecutor Attorney Klarissa U. Arcillas for their successful handling of the case, underscoring the government’s efforts to strengthen the enforcement of the country’s anti-drug and customs laws.
