P7-million Ecstasy haul intercepted at Clark cargo facility

Authorities seized about P7 million worth of Ecstasy during a joint interdiction operation at a major cargo facility in Clark Freeport, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP Avsegroup) said Saturday.

PNP Aviation Security said two inbound cargo parcels containing thousands of tablets suspected to be illegal drugs were intercepted during routine inspection.

The group said the parcels were flagged after Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel subjected them to X-ray screening, which revealed suspicious contents inconsistent with their declared items.

“This prompted immediate coordination with the PNP Aviation Security Group as member of Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, leading to a thorough examination conducted in the presence of concerned government agencies,” the group said.

A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) narcotics detection dog was deployed during the inspection and positively indicated the presence of illegal substances in both parcels.

Upon opening and inventory, authorities recovered a total of 4,124 tablets suspected to be Ecstasy, concealed inside packages declared as automotive accessories. Initial on-site presumptive drug testing conducted by PDEA operatives yielded positive results for illegal drugs.

The first parcel contained 2,693 purple tablets with an estimated standard drug price value of P4,591,275, while the second parcel yielded 1,431 tablets of varying colors, valued at approximately P2,448,850.

The combined estimated value of the seized drugs amounted to P7,040,125.

Based on initial findings, the parcels originated from Austria and were intended for delivery to a consignee in Davao City.

All recovered items were documented, resealed, and placed under custodial control for further laboratory examination and case build-up. Confirmatory testing will be conducted at the appropriate forensic laboratory.

PNP Aviation Security Group Director PBGen Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. said the operation underscored effective inter-agency coordination.

“This successful interception highlights the collective vigilance, professionalism, and seamless coordination of all authorities involved, reaffirming our shared commitment to strengthening border security and relentlessly combating transnational drug trafficking through our air cargo gateways,” Bartolome said.