Authorities intercepted more than P36.8 million worth of suspected shabu concealed in abandoned parcels at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.

The operation was conducted by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at the PAIR-PAGSS Cargo Import Warehouse.

During routine X-ray screening and manual inspections, personnel discovered approximately 5,424 grams of the illegal substance inside three inbound parcels.

The shipment has an estimated street value of P36,883,200.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the parcels were consigned to three individuals who are now the subjects of an investigation for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Authorities are currently validating the identities of the consignees to uncover a wider smuggling network.

“This is exactly the kind of work we want to see — quiet, focused, and effective,” Nartatez said. “By intercepting this before it reaches the streets, fewer lives are ruined and fewer communities are threatened.”

The operation involved coordinated efforts between the PNP, the Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. The seized narcotics were turned over to PDEA headquarters for proper disposition.

Nartatez stressed that the seizure reflects a tightening of security at the country’s primary gateway. He added that investigators are pursuing leads to identify organizers and facilitators who may be operating both locally and abroad.

“We will keep tightening our watch and holding accountable anyone involved in bringing these illegal substances into the country,” Nartatez said.