SUBIC FREEPORT – Suspected kush valued at P106.8 million was discovered in the engine room of a Malaysian-flagged yacht docked at the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) here on Sept, 2.
The yacht was en route to Taiwan from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia when it reportedly encountered engine trouble at sea and sent a distress signal before being rescued and brought to the SBYC on Aug. 28 with four crew members onboard.
Responders reportedly discovered plastic bags containing suspected contraband within a compartment in the engine room and immediately reported to the management of the SBYC, prompting a coordinated response.
A joint task force from the Bureau of Customs, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Investigation and Intelligence Division and Legal and Enforcement Division, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Zambales, Olongapo City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Zambales Provincial Intelligence Team-RIU3, and Regional Intelligence Division-PRO3 executed a Bureau of Customs Mission Order to board and conduct a thorough search of the vessel.
The seized suspected kush weighing 89 kilograms with an estimated street value of approximately P106.8 million remains subject to verification pending laboratory tests for accurate classification, net weight confirmation, and pricing.
All evidence had been meticulously documented, inventoried, and placed under the custody of the involved law enforcement agencies for further processing.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to locate the four crew members for interrogation to ascertain their knowledge and involvement in the incident. The Olongapo City Police Office spearheads the search, supported by local and regional intelligence units. No charges have been filed against the crew pending further investigation.
Authorities are currently trying to establish the origin and ownership of the seized substance, the intended destination and recipient, accountability for concealment and transport, the vessel’s travel history and previous ports of call, and potential links to local and international drug trafficking networks.
The successful interdiction at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone highlights the commitment of Philippine law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drug activities. This also stands as a testament to multi-agency cooperation that ensures the protection of national and regional security.
Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. SBMA-PR
