MORE than P21.4 million worth of illegal drugs have been intercepted by operations of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City during the Christmas rush. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on Friday disclosed that, based on the report, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) district collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa said the illegal drugs were hidden inside five unclaimed inbound parcels declared as various consumer items. The parcels were, however, subjected to examination after exhibiting suspicious indicators. Physical inspection revealed that the parcels contained a total of 2,928 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known as shabu, with an estimated standard value of P19,910,400, and 997 grams of high-grade marijuana (kush) with an estimated street value of P1,495,500. Nepomuceno said the seized items were officially turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper disposition and further investigation. The case constitutes violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and RA 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act). “These interceptions reflect the bureau’s sustained efforts to detect and prevent the entry of illegal drugs through postal and courier channels. We remain resolute in protecting our borders and the welfare of the public,” added Nepomuceno. Mapa said the operation reinforces the bureau’s unwavering commitment to enforce customs and anti-drug laws in support of the national government’s campaign to protect the Filipino public. “Through strengthened inspection measures and close coordination with partner agencies, BOC-NAIA continues to ensure that mail and cargo facilities are not exploited for illegal activities,” added Mapa. For 2025 alone, the BOC-NAIA has intercepted some P800 million of illegal drugs inside outbound and inbound parcels at the NMEC. BOC-NAIA's biggest single-day illegal drug operation was the interception last July of 44 kilograms of shabu worth at least P304 million at the NAIA Terminal 3. The "hot" goods were intercepted in two separate flights that arrived on the same day at NAIA 3 from Hong Kong. The second biggest catch was made last September with the interception of P227 million of high-grade marijuana, popularly known as Kush, also at NAIA 3. The illegal drugs were found in six checked-in baggage belonging to two Filipino passengers arriving from Bangkok, Thailand. WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL