P366.65-M Marijuana Seized From Yacht Undergoing Repairs at Subic Port

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Saturday, September 5, announced the seizure of approximately 222 kilograms of high-grade marijuana, valued at P366.65 million (about $7.5 million USD), from a distressed yacht that was brought to Subic Bay for repairs. The BOC in the Port of Subic, in collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, first discovered 98.33 kilograms of marijuana aboard the vessel on Wednesday, September 2. A further, more intensive inspection and stripping of the yacht on Saturday yielded an additional 123.91 kilograms of marijuana, contained in 109 packages. Subic District Collector Geniefelle Lagmay stated that his office initiated the search on September 2 after receiving "derogatory information" about a distressed sailing yacht seeking repairs at the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC). The vessel, with a crew of four Thai and Malaysian nationals, was reportedly sailing from Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia to Taiwan when it experienced engine trouble and sent out a distress call. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), whose law enforcement operatives were involved, confirmed that the yacht arrived for repairs on August 28 with its four crewmen. Repairmen reportedly discovered plastic bags suspected of containing contraband in a compartment in the engine room, prompting them to report the matter to SBYC management. A joint task force comprising the BOC, SBMA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and police units from Zambales and Olongapo City executed a BOC mission order on Wednesday, September 2, leading to the initial discovery of 98.33 kilos of marijuana. Further inspection and stripping operations on Saturday resulted in the recovery of the additional 123.91 kilos. The Subic-BOC indicated that it will conduct further investigations in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to gather information about the owners and recipients of the seized contraband and to establish any links to local and international drug syndicates. "This additional discovery shows that our work does not stop with the initial apprehension," said BOC-Subic District Collector Geniefelle Lagmay. "We will continue to thoroughly examine and strip vessels when necessary to ensure that every possible hiding place is checked." The SBMA stated that the recovered marijuana has been turned over to the PDEA for proper custody and disposition. The Olongapo City Police Office, supported by local intelligence units, is reportedly conducting a search to locate the crew members of the distressed yacht.