A festive disguise failed to mask a criminal enterprise as National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives intercepted ₱3.8 million worth of suspected shabu hidden inside a gift bag bearing a “Happy Birthday!” greeting during an operation in Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City, on Friday night, October 17, 2026.
Southern Police District (SPD) operatives seized approximately 563.5 grams of the prohibited substance, valued at a Standard Drug Price of ₱3,831,800.
The rapid response resulted in the arrest of an 18-year-old male courier at around 10:00 PM.
The interdiction stemmed from proactive civic vigilance.
Earlier that day at around 5:30 PM, a concerned citizen working in parcel delivery walked into the Makati City Police Station.
The informant reported picking up a brown box inside a gift bag bound for Pasig City, only to discover a large transparent pack of white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu upon closer inspection.
Acting swiftly, the Makati City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit mobilized a follow-up operation.
Guided by the informant’s description, officers tracked the suspect along Santuico Street corner Facondo Street.
The suspect attempted to flee on foot, triggering a brief chase that ended in his apprehension along Javier Street.
The suspect is currently detained and faces charges for violating Sections 5 and 26 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, with inquest proceedings underway at the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
Commenting on the successful bust, NCRPO Officer-in-Charge Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano warned syndicates exploiting logistics networks.
“Illegal drugs, even when disguised as a gift, will never find safe passage in Metro Manila. This operation underscores the vital partnership between law enforcement and an alert, civic-minded public. We commend the citizen who chose to act, and we will relentlessly pursue everyone behind this trade,” Abrahano stated.
The NCRPO urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious parcels or illegal activities to local police stations or official hotlines.
