Kush Haul from Yacht at Subic Port Valued Over P366.65M

The total value of high-end kush seized from a yacht docked at the Port of Subic has climbed to P366.65 million following an additional discovery of the illegal drug. The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic confirmed on Saturday, September 5, that its composite team found 109 more packages of kush, worth an estimated P204.44 million, as authorities continued to strip and examine the vessel. The latest discovery brings the total haul from the yacht to 198 packages of kush, with a combined estimated street value of P366.65 million. BOC-Port of Subic District Collector Geniefelle P. Lagmay said the latest discovery showed that the agency’s work did not end with the initial seizure, adding that authorities would continue to thoroughly examine and strip vessels to ensure that possible hiding places were checked. The continuing inspection was conducted by the BOC in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED). Authorities had earlier seized packages of kush from the same yacht during an enforcement operation at the Port of Subic. BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the operation was part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen border security and disrupt the illegal drug trade. The seized items were turned over to the PDEA for proper custody and disposition, while the BOC and its partner agencies continued their enforcement and investigation into the seizure. INQ /mr