Targeted influx of illegal drugs thru PH postal service foiled

On Jul 18, 2026

PHILIPPINE Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno inspecting some of the illegal drugs intercepted using the country's postal service, July 17, 2026. Also in photo is Customs intelligence Service Director Thomas Narcise (photo: BOC-PIAD).

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno announced it has foiled an apparent targeted attempt by drug smugglers to flood the country with illegal drugs thru the country’s postal system.

During the actual inspection of the interdicted drug shipments on July 17 together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and officials at the Port of NAIA headed by District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, Commissioner Nepomuceno said joint government operatives intercepted a total of 39 inbound parcels containing illegal drugs valued at more than ₱41 million.

The shipments were flagged through customs profiling, X-ray screening, K9 inspection, and physical examination, in close coordination with partner enforcement agencies.

Among the more significant recoveries are 5 parcels from India containing 4.344 kilos of shabu valued at ₱29.539 million.

Nepomuceno said the other 34 inbound parcels, originating from the United States, Spain, Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, were likewise found to contain various suspected dangerous drugs.

These included approximately 5.659 kilos of marijuana (‘Kush’) with an estimated value of ₱8.488 million, and 707 grams of ‘Ecstasy’ with an estimated value of ₱3.004 million.

The shipments were consigned to recipients in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Pampanga, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, Antique, and other parts of the country.

All seized parcels were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for laboratory examination and further investigation in accordance with existing customs laws and regulations.

“Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa PHLPost, PDEA, at sa NAIA – Inter-agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.

“Ang publiko ay makakaasa na mas palalakasin pa ng BOC ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga partner agencies upang matiyak na hindi makakapasok sa bansa ang ganitong uri ng kontrabando at sino man ang susuway ay mananagot sa batas,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

He also underscored that the successful interdiction reflects the BOC’s mandate of carrying out the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen border security and prevent the entry of illegal drugs and other contraband into the country.