Courtesy: Customs FB Page
CONTINUING efforts to bolster border security and combat illegal drug entry under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, 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), intercepted two unclaimed and abandoned packages containing illegal drugs at the OBC Warehouse, NAIA Complex, Pasay City on February 11, 2026. The combined estimated value of the seized drugs is ₱22,997,600.
The packages, both declared as CCTV kits, were flagged for verification based on derogatory information received from PDEA. Subsequent laboratory examination of extracted samples confirmed the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
The first package, originating from Malawi, Africa, contained approximately 2,370 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of ₱16,116,000. The second package, originating from Johannesburg, South Africa, contained approximately 1,012 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of ₱6,881,600.
Both packages have been formally turned over to PDEA for proper custody, disposal, and further investigation. The interception represents violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act). BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of sustained vigilance and strong inter-agency coordination, highlighting that the seizure of illegal drugs in unclaimed shipments demonstrates the proactive and alert nature of enforcement units. District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin O. Mapa stated that BOC-NAIA is further strengthening operational controls and inter-agency coordination to combat drug smuggling networks operating through air cargo and courier routes. With this latest operation, the total value of illegal drugs seized by BOC-NAIA this year has reached over ₱479 million.
