PNP intercepts P14.8M worth of marijuana parcels at NAIA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) intercepted 40 inbound parcels containing dried leaves suspected to be marijuana with an estimated street value of P14.83 million at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City, authorities said.

The interception took place on 4 February 2026, during routine inspection procedures at the facility, which handles international mail entering the country.

PNP chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation underscores the police force’s continuing efforts to block illegal drugs from entering the Philippines.

“This operation demonstrates the PNP’s unyielding resolve to safeguard our communities,” Nartatez said. “Every parcel we stop, every illegal substance we intercept, is a step toward a safer Philippines. Walang puwang ang droga sa ating bansa, at tinitiyak natin na ang mga responsable ay papanagutin sa batas.”

The operation was carried out through joint intelligence and coordination among the Cargo Police Station, the Aviation Security Enforcement Unit–National Capital Region, and the NAIA–Illegal Drugs Interdiction Task Group, following information relayed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The parcels were initially flagged during routine X-ray screening. A K-9 unit named “Jelly” later confirmed the presence of illegal drugs through standard detection procedures.

Personnel from the Bureau of Customs conducted a manual inspection and inventory of the 40 parcels under the supervision of PDEA, with media and barangay representatives present to ensure transparency.

The seized suspected marijuana was turned over to PDEA and transported to its national office in Quezon City for proper disposition and further investigation.

Nartatez stressed the importance of inter-agency coordination in anti-drug operations.

“This accomplishment would not have been possible without the seamless cooperation between PNP, BOC and PDEA. It is proof that when our agencies work together, we become stronger and more effective in protecting the public,” he said.