SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – A joint operation involving multiple Philippine agencies led to the recovery of 89 bags/packages of suspected kush/cannabis, aboard a Malaysian yacht docked at the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) on Sept. 2, 2026. The contraband weighs approximately 89 kg valued at P106.8million.
The vessel, en route from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, to Taiwan, reportedly encountered engine trouble at sea and sent a distress signal before being rescued and brought to the Subic Bay Yacht Club (SBYC) on August 28, 2026 with 4 crew members onboard.
The plastic bags containing the suspected contraband were discovered concealed within a compartment in the engine room. This find was immediately reported to the management of the SBYC, prompting a coordinated response.
A joint task force comprising personnel from the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Investigation and Intelligence Division (SBMA-IID), Legal and Enforcement Division (SBMA-LED), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zambales, Olongapo City Police Drug Enforcement Unit (OCPDEU), Zambales Provincial Intelligence Team-RIU3, and Regional Intelligence Division-PRO3 executed a BOC Mission Order to board and conduct a thorough search of the vessel.
The seized suspected kush/cannabis 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 prioritizing establishing:
- The origin and ownership of the seized substance
- The intended destination and recipient
- Accountability for concealment and transport
- Vessel’s travel history and previous ports of call
- 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.
