Authorities intercepted more than P60 million worth of suspected illegal drugs hidden in inbound international parcels in a joint operation at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City, underscoring ongoing efforts to tighten border controls against drug trafficking through courier and mail channels.
The operation, carried out on June 15, 2026, was led by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group composed of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). It resulted in the seizure of 14 abandoned parcels flagged through intensified intelligence monitoring and cargo profiling.
The shipments originated from several countries, including Thailand, India, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and other locations, and were consigned to multiple recipients across the Philippines.
Initial examination showed the parcels contained a range of suspected illegal drugs, including approximately 5.4 kilograms of marijuana kush valued at P8.25 million, around 100,000 milliliters of liquid marijuana valued at P5 million, and nearly 9 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at ₱46.95 million.
Authorities also recovered suspected MDMA tablets (ecstasy), opium poppy derivatives, and other controlled substances concealed in misdeclared shipments.
The drugs were reportedly hidden inside everyday items such as snack packages, coffee products, toys, decorative materials, household filters, wooden organizers, and electronic devices in what officials described as an attempt to evade detection at border checkpoints.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units, stressing the importance of sustained intelligence-driven operations at entry points where illegal drugs are most likely to enter the country.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa ganitong operasyon. We are strengthening our border control efforts not only at the street level but more importantly at entry points where illegal drugs attempt to enter the country,” Nartatez said.
He said the success of the operation reflects stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies under the PNP’s operational agenda and supports the broader directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify the national anti-drug campaign.
All intercepted parcels have been turned over to the PDEA for laboratory analysis and proper disposition, while follow-up investigations are ongoing to identify individuals and possible networks behind the attempted smuggling.
“This operation shows that our security systems are actively working. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating pagbabantay mula ports hanggang communities,” Nartatez added, emphasizing continued vigilance against drug trafficking attempts.
Authorities said the operation highlights the growing use of international parcel services as a conduit for illegal drug shipments, reinforcing the need for tighter monitoring and sustained inter-agency cooperation at the country’s entry points.