Enhanced PPA security measures net drugs

Several seizures of suspected illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and other prohibited items in domestic ports nationwide since September reflect the enhanced security measures put in place by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Twelve kilos of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P81.6 million, were confiscated at the Port of Batangas on 7 October 2026. Four individuals were arrested during an operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in coordination with the Batangas Port Police, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and PNP Maritime Group.

Other operations resulted in the confiscation of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and ammunition in five separate incidents at Dumangas Port in Iloilo and Jordan and Sibunag Ports in Guimaras on 10, 11 and 13 October.

The Port Management Office Panay/Guimaras coordinated with PDEA, local police stations, and other concerned authorities for the investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.

At the Port of Masbate, a truck driver was arrested on 11 October after a glass pipe was discovered inside his bag during security screening at the Passenger Terminal Building. The Port Police Division, together with the PCG K9 Team, PDEA and Maritime Police, responded to the incident.

Meanwhile, at the Port of Ormoc, a 60-year-old passenger was arrested after a baggage X-ray operator flagged a suspicious object inside his luggage on 30 October, during the Undas holiday break. Further inspection led to the recovery of an improvised tooter, which was subsequently turned over to the authorities.

The latest incident was recorded at the Port of Matnog on 8 November, when a male passenger was arrested after authorities discovered a vape cartridge containing suspected liquid marijuana, weighing approximately one gram and valued at P1,700. Two glass tubes with residue were also recovered. The confiscated liquid will undergo laboratory examination to determine its composition.