PDEA seizes over P2M worth of marijuana hidden in courier parcels

PALO, Leyte — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 8 seized a large quantity of suspected marijuana concealed in courier parcels during a series of K9 inspection operations in Eastern Visayas this week.

PDEA-8 public information officer Rogelette Urgel said 17 bricks of suspected dried marijuana leaves weighing about 17 kilograms, with an estimated value of more than P2 million, were discovered during a K9 inspection at a courier hub in Baybay City on Wednesday evening, 7 January 2026. Authorities also found 20 vape cartridges containing suspected marijuana resin valued at P70,000.

The contraband was concealed among various items, including used clothing, carton boxes, black garbage bags, empty vape packaging, and bubble wrap sealed with courier packaging tape.

In a separate K9 inspection conducted the same evening, PDEA operatives found one brick of suspected dried marijuana leaves weighing about one kilogram at a courier hub in Calbayog City. Urgel said the item, valued at P120,000, was likewise hidden inside a parcel containing used clothing, a carton box, a black garbage bag, and bubble wrap sealed with courier tape.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of Thursday, 8 January 2026, another K9 inspection operation in Borongan City led to the discovery of 12 vape cartridges containing suspected liquid cannabis extract, with an estimated street value of P70,000.

Urgel said no arrests were made in the three operations because the parcels were unclaimed at the time of inspection.

She added that all seized drug and non-drug evidence were properly documented, inventoried, and secured for laboratory examination and case build-up.

PDEA is now coordinating with the concerned courier service providers, while follow-up investigations are underway to identify those responsible for shipping the illegal drugs.