Authorities intercepted a P25.3-million shipment of ketamine at Clark International Airport, cleverly disguised as a box of “data cable rolls” — a smuggling tactic officials say highlights the evolving methods of drug syndicates trying to bypass detection.

The bust happened on 30 July during a routine x-ray inspection at the FedEx warehouse inside the Clark Freeport Zone. Suspicious images led members of the Clark Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (CRK-IADITG) to physically examine the package.

Inside, officers found six plastic bags filled with a white crystalline substance, which field tests later confirmed as ketamine — a dissociative anesthetic that has become a recreational party drug commonly known as “Special K.”

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the total weight of the drugs was 5,062 grams, pegged at a street value of P5,310,000.

The drugs were turned over to PDEA for confirmatory laboratory analysis, while investigators are now working to trace the shipment’s origin and intended recipient.

“This is a textbook case of how creative and deceptive drug traffickers have become. But thanks to the vigilance of our joint task force, these dangerous substances were stopped before they could hit the streets,” said National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago.

The CRK-IADITG is composed of agents from the NBI-PAMDO, PDEA, Bureau of Customs and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

While that seizure unfolded at the airport, the broader fight against illegal drugs continued across Central Luzon with a string of high-impact operations from the evening of 31 July to the morning of 1 August.

In total, 25 individuals, including several high-value individuals (HVIs) and high-value targets (HVTs), were arrested in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan.

Police seized over 358 grams of suspected shabu and 40 grams of marijuana, with an estimated combined value of P2.5 million.

In San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, a buy-bust operation at 10:26 p.m. on 31 July led to the arrest of a suspect tagged as a high-value individual who was caught with 70 grams of shabu worth P476,000.

At 1:50 a.m. on 1 August, another HVI was arrested in Malolos City along with a companion. They were caught with 100 grams of shabu valued at P680,000, packed in heat-sealed sachets and intended for local distribution.

In Llanera, Nueva Ecija, police arrested a 59-year-old woman identified as “Luz,” an HVT from Caloocan, at 5:35 a.m. on 1 August. She was caught with 50 grams of shabu worth P340,000, believed to be part of a supply chain reaching Central Luzon.

In Subic, Zambales, a search warrant was served at 3:50 a.m. on 1 August at the home of “Jonex,” a former member of the Tiamsing Criminal Group. Authorities seized 33 grams of shabu valued at P224,400 along with drug paraphernalia.

In Mabalacat City, Pampanga, the biggest haul came from a series of operations conducted at 11:55 a.m. on 31 July, resulting in the arrest of 21 suspects, including two HVIs.

Police confiscated 105 grams of shabu worth P714,000 and 40 grams of dried marijuana worth P4,800. Investigators said the suspects were linked to a local drug distribution ring operating near public transport terminals and residential zones.

PRO3 Director Gen. Rogelio “Pojie” Peñones Jr. commended the swift and coordinated actions of the involved units, noting that the simultaneous raids are part of a sustained strategy to cripple the drug trade across the region.

“We remain relentless. These operations are proof of our unwavering commitment to eliminate illegal drugs in Central Luzon. But we also urge the community to be our partners — report, stay vigilant, and help protect your barangays,” he said.

The crackdown didn’t end there.

In Bagac, Bataan, three suspected drug pushers were arrested before dawn on Saturday, 3 August, in Barangay Bagumbayan.

According to Bataan Police Provincial Office Director Col. Marites A. Salvadora, the suspects sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer in exchange for a P500 marked bill.

A body search yielded three more sachets of shabu weighing approximately 1.4 grams and valued at P9,520. Charges will be filed under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.