Bureau of Customs officials inspect the additional 109 packages of high-quality marijuana seized from a yacht in Subic in this undated photo. The illegal drugs weighed approximately 123.91 kilograms, with an estimated street value of PHP204.44 million. (Photo from BOC)
Authorities have uncovered another massive stash of high-grade marijuana aboard a yacht in Subic, pushing the total value of the illegal drug haul to more than P366 million.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Subic said an additional 109 packages of kush, weighing about 123.91 kilograms and valued at approximately P204.44 million, were discovered during a continuing inspection of the vessel earlier subjected to enforcement action.
The latest find came after a composite team from the BOC, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Justice, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Law Enforcement Department conducted a more extensive examination of the yacht.
During the initial search at the Subic Bay Yacht Club on Wednesday, authorities had already seized about P162.2 million worth of kush.
With the new discovery, the total haul has climbed to 198 packages, with a combined estimated street value of approximately P366.65 million.
BOC District Collector Geniefelle Lagmay said the additional seizure underscores the Port of Subic’s determination to pursue enforcement operations beyond the initial apprehension.
“This additional discovery shows that our work does not stop with the initial apprehension. Together with our partner agencies, the Port of Subic remains relentless in protecting our borders and preventing illegal drugs from reaching our communities,” Lagmay said.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the operation also forms part of the government’s broader campaign to tighten border security and disrupt the illegal drug trade.
“The BOC remains committed to protecting our borders and supporting the administration’s efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade,” Nepomuceno said.
The confiscated drugs were turned over to the PDEA for proper custody and disposition in accordance with existing procedures.
The latest discovery highlights the scale of the suspected smuggling operation and the importance of sustained inspections even after an initial seizure has already been made.