Authorities inspect a sailing yacht docked at the Subic Bay Yacht Club in Zambales, where around 89 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana valued at Php 106.8 million were recovered on Sept. 2. The operation was conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Bureau of Customs. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Coast Guard)
A repair job on a sailing yacht led authorities to an alleged drug cache worth more than Php 106 million after mechanics reportedly uncovered suspected high-grade marijuana hidden inside the vessel.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said around 89 kilograms of suspected marijuana were recovered from the yacht docked at the Subic Bay Yacht Club.
The discovery was traced to Sept. 1, when mechanics working on the yacht’s generator and engine allegedly found concealed packages and alerted authorities.
A joint team from the Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Bureau of Customs boarded and inspected the vessel at around 7 p.m. the following day.
The inspection resulted in the recovery of the suspected drugs, which authorities valued at approximately Php 106.8 million.
The seized items were brought to the yacht club’s boathouse for inventory before being transferred for further processing.
On Sept. 3, Coast Guard personnel escorted the shipment during its turnover to PDEA.
The agency is expected to conduct further examination and investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the suspected marijuana.
Authorities have not yet announced any arrest or identified individuals who may be linked to the contraband.
