P36.8-M shabu seized at NAIA cargo facility

Authorities intercepted more than P36.8 million worth of suspected shabu at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport cargo facility in Pasay City, preventing the illegal drugs from reaching local communities.

The operation was conducted on 11 February 2026 by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at the On Board Courier Area of the PAIR-PAGSS Cargo Import Warehouse inside the NAIA complex.

During routine cargo screening, operatives discovered three inbound parcels containing about 5,424 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P36,883,200.

Initial records showed the parcels were consigned to three individuals who are now being linked to the shipment. Authorities are building a case for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The identities of the consignees are under validation as investigators trace the broader network behind the attempted delivery.

The illegal drugs were detected through X-ray cargo screening and manual inspection in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The seized substances were turned over to the PDEA national headquarters for proper handling and disposition in accordance with established procedures.

Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operatives for what he described as swift and coordinated action.

“This is exactly the kind of work we want to see—quiet, focused, and effective. Bago pa makarating sa lansangan, naharang na natin. That means fewer lives ruined, fewer families broken, and fewer communities threatened by illegal drugs,” Nartatez said.

He stressed that airports must not become entry points for narcotics.

“Hindi puwedeng maging gateway ang ating paliparan para sa droga. We will keep tightening our watch, strengthening coordination, and holding accountable anyone involved in bringing these illegal substances into the country,” he added.

The PNP said the seizure aligns with its focused agenda on enhancing police operations through stronger interdiction, intelligence and enforcement efforts.

Investigators are pursuing leads to identify possible organizers and facilitators of the shipment, whether operating locally or abroad.

“Let this serve as a warning: we are watching, and we are relentless. The PNP will not give drug syndicates the space to operate—whether on the streets or through our ports of entry,” Nartatez said.