In a continuing effort to strengthen border protection and curb the entry of illicit substances, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), successfully intercepted five unclaimed inbound parcels containing various suspected illegal drugs on May 26, 2026.
The operations, conducted at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City, align with the direct mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify national anti-illegal drug campaigns and secure the country’s borders.
The seized parcels, which originated from Canada and France, were initially declared as ordinary consumer items, including gifts, toys, clothing, and personal goods. However, during routine profiling and inspection procedures, vigilant Customs personnel detected key irregularities and concealment indicators. This prompted a thorough physical examination of the shipments, which were destined for recipients in Pampanga, Zambales, and Cagayan de Oro City.
The comprehensive inspection led to the discovery of a wide assortment of illegal substances with a total estimated street value of ₱6,457,550. The seized items include:
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Approximately 946 grams of suspected marijuana Kush
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606 tablets and 789 grams of suspected MDMA (Ecstasy)
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114 grams of suspected cocaine
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10 grams of suspected ketamine
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184 grams of an unidentified brown substance (subject to laboratory testing)
To evade detection, smugglers utilized sophisticated concealment methods, hiding the narcotics inside canned goods, food packaging, foil pouches, wax papers, and containers modified to look like ordinary household items.
The intercepted parcels were immediately turned over to PDEA for detailed laboratory analysis, case build-up, and the initiation of legal proceedings. Authorities are preparing to file appropriate charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) in relation to Republic Act No. 10863 (The Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to tightening border security, emphasizing that close coordination with partner agencies remains vital in disrupting international mail and cargo trafficking channels.
Under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, BOC-NAIA continues to enhance its intelligence-driven operations and border control measures, ensuring the nation’s ports of entry remain fortified against the influx of dangerous drugs and prohibited contraband.
