The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) has successfully intercepted a major shipment of suspected illegal drugs with an estimated market value of ₱114,566,400.
The operation, conducted on January 8, 2026, was a collaborative effort between the BOC-NAIA, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
The shipment, which originated from Congo, was falsely declared as “malachite stones.” During a routine X-ray inspection, BOC personnel flagged the cargo after detecting “suspicious images” inconsistent with the declaration.
A subsequent 100% physical examination revealed four boxes containing a total of 16,848 grams of suspected illegal drugs. The breakdown of the seizure is as follows:
| Package | Weight (Grams) |
| Box 1 | 4,320 g |
| Box 2 | 3,622 g |
| Box 3 | 4,599 g |
| Box 4 | 4,307 g |
| Total Weight | 16,848 g |
This operation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify border protection and utilize a “whole-of-nation” approach to combat transnational crime.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s dedication to public safety: “This is not just about enforcement. It is about protecting our communities. The Bureau will remain relentless in screening, inspecting, and stopping illegal drugs at our borders.”
District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa highlighted the importance of inter-agency synergy, noting that the result was made possible through “strict risk profiling and close coordination among enforcement units.”
The seized substances and the individuals involved have been turned over to the PDEA for formal investigation and disposition. The suspects face charges for violating:
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Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)
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Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act)
The Bureau of Customs continues to strengthen its border control measures to safeguard the integrity of the nation and ensure the safety of the Filipino people.
