A joint drug interdiction operation resulted in the seizure of approximately ₱36.15 million worth of illegal drugs hidden inside 13 unclaimed international parcels at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) on August 24, 2026.
The interdiction was carried out by members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) after Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel detected suspicious images during routine X-ray screening.
A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) narcotics detection dog subsequently gave a positive indication for dangerous drugs, prompting a manual inspection of the packages.
Originating from the Netherlands, the United States, Germany, India, Thailand, and Poland, the parcels were consigned to recipients across Pasay, Parañaque, Bacoor, Tanza, Manila, Quezon City, Rizal, and Mandaluyong.
Authorities recovered approximately 9,695 grams of illegal substances and 3,756 suspected ecstasy (MDMA) tablets.
The seized contraband included high-grade marijuana (Kush), methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), ketamine, and MDMA, with an aggregate standard drug price evaluated at ₱36,159,900.
PDEA personnel took custody of the illegal drugs and transported them to the PDEA National Office in Quezon City for further investigation and legal proceedings.
“A significant quantity of illegal drugs was prevented from entering the country due to the prompt cooperation of our police officers and airport authorities. We will continue to intensify our vigilance and coordination to protect our communities against the threat of illegal drugs,” said Police Brigadier General Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., Director of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP).
