INTER-AGENCY OPERATION THWARTS SHIPMENT OF OVER P36-M WORTH OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL DRUGS

MORE than P36.1 million worth of suspected illegal drugs were intercepted at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) along Domestic Road, Pasay City, in a coordinated cargo inspection that underscored the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent the entry and movement of dangerous drugs through shipment facilities.

The operation, conducted on August 24, involved intelligence personnel of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), in coordination with the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The seized packages contained approximately 2.838 kilograms of suspected MDMA or Ecstasy, 5.282 kilograms of suspected Marijuana Kush, 3,756 Ecstasy tablets, 511 grams of suspected Ketamine, and 1.064 kilograms of suspected shabu, with a combined Standard Drug Price of P36,159,900..

The items were discovered through cargo X-ray screening and manual inspection by BOC personnel, complemented by K-9 inspection conducted by PDEA.

The shipments were reportedly consigned and sent by different individuals whose identities and addresses are contained in the seized evidence.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation shows the importance of careful inspection and close coordination among government agencies, particularly in areas where illegal drugs may be concealed among legitimate shipments.

“Hindi natin kailangang hintayin na makarating sa komunidad ang mga ilegal na droga bago kumilos. We have to intercept them where they are detected, and this operation shows that our law enforcement agencies are doing exactly that—watching closely, working together, and acting decisively,” Nartatez said.

The seized drug evidence was turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and appropriate action.

The operation is part of the PNP’s continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes more coordinated, intelligence-driven, and responsive police operations.

The PNP continues to strengthen its partnership with other government agencies in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly in protecting communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs and other threats to public safety.

The latest operation reflects the PNP’s commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” by ensuring that police action is focused not only on responding to threats but also on preventing them from reaching Filipino communities. (PNP-PIO)