The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Department of Justice (DOJ), seized 98.332 kilograms of marijuana, locally known as “Kush,” with an estimated street value of ₱162.2 million from a distressed sailing yacht at the Subic Bay Yacht Club.
The seizure took place on September 2, 2026, after the BOC-Port of Subic received derogatory information regarding a sailing yacht that had sought emergency shelter and repairs at the yacht club due to inclement weather.
The vessel, which was manned by Thai and Malaysian crew members, had sailed from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and was originally bound for Taiwan. The information indicated that the yacht might be carrying prohibited or contraband items, prompting authorities to immediately conduct an inspection.
BOC-Port of Subic District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay subsequently issued a mission order authorizing the inspection and search of the vessel.
The operation was carried out by a composite enforcement team composed of personnel from the BOC, SBMA Law Enforcement Department, PCG, PDEA, DOJ, barangay officials, Subic Bay Yacht Club representatives, and other partner agencies.
The search yielded 98.332 kilograms of Kush, with authorities placing its estimated street value at approximately ₱162.2 million.
“This successful operation is a clear manifestation of the Bureau of Customs’ commitment to Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s marching order to protect our borders at all times,” Lagmay said.
She added that the swift response and coordination among the participating agencies prevented a significant quantity of dangerous drugs from potentially entering Filipino communities.
The seized marijuana was subsequently turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition and the initiation of appropriate legal proceedings under existing laws and regulations.
The BOC said the successful operation highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-based enforcement in securing the country’s borders and preventing dangerous contraband from entering the Philippines.
