PASAY CITY, Philippines — Authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) successfully intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu,” valued at approximately P40.8 million on Monday, January 26, 2026.
The seizure is part of an intensified campaign by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to curb the entry of illegal narcotics through the country’s primary gateway.
The Interdiction The illegal drugs were discovered during a routine inspection of an inbound parcel at the Pair-Pags Center in Pasay City.
- The Shipment: The narcotics were concealed inside a shipment declared as “various items.” Upon closer inspection and subsequent X-ray scanning, authorities noticed suspicious images that prompted a physical examination.
- The Volume: Personnel recovered approximately six kilograms of white crystalline substance. A field test conducted by PDEA confirmed the substance as shabu.
- Origin: Preliminary reports indicate the shipment originated from a foreign country, though the specific point of origin is currently being withheld pending follow-up operations.
Law Enforcement Response The Bureau of Customs-NAIA turned over the seized illegal drugs to the PDEA for proper documentation and disposal. “Our frontline officers remain vigilant in our mission to protect the country’s borders from the entry of prohibited goods,” a BOC official stated. “This significant seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of our inter-agency coordination in the fight against illegal drugs.”
Investigation and Charges PDEA and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) have launched an investigation to identify the sender and the intended recipient of the parcel.
- Legal Action: Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act) are being prepared against those involved in the smuggling attempt.
- Surveillance: Authorities are reviewing flight manifests and digital footprints associated with the shipment to track down the syndicate responsible for the operation.
Continued Vigilance The interception comes amid a series of successful drug busts at NAIA in early 2026, as the government recalibrates its border security protocols. Law enforcement agencies reiterated their warning to international smuggling syndicates that Philippine ports of entry are equipped with advanced detection technology and highly trained personnel to intercept illicit cargo.