Authorities are investigating what could be a high-level cannabis smuggling ring with ties inside the Customs Department. At the center of the investigation is a box containing 15 pounds of high-grade marijuana—discovered in early April among consolidated packages shipped from the U.S.
According to reports, the package arrived as part of a regular freight shipment, typically associated with barrel and household goods deliveries. But when a customs officer inspected one specific box, what he found was not the expected “bath and body” products. Instead, tightly sealed plastic bags of premium cannabis were inside—worth an estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars on the illicit market.
What makes this case especially noteworthy is that, prior to the inspection, the officer had reportedly received calls from two fellow customs officers—male and female relatives—urging him to clear the box. Though it was addressed to someone else, they insisted the contents were innocuous. When the cannabis was discovered, the officer reported it to his supervisor and contacted the female officer, who was reportedly en route to collect the package. Security footage reportedly shows her vehicle entering the Customs compound before turning back upon receiving the call. Since then, she has reported sick and has not returned to work.
Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado confirmed that the case is being thoroughly investigated.
He said a joint investigation is underway between law enforcement and the Anti-Money Laundering Unit into the suspected smuggling of high-grade cannabis involving customs officers.
Investigators have applied for court warrants to search the electronic devices of those linked to the case. While no charges have been filed yet, authorities are continuing to gather evidence.
According to Rosado, only individuals for whom there is sufficient evidence will be detained or charged, and some customs officers have already been interviewed as part of the ongoing probe.