A coordinated inter-agency operation led to the interception of a ₱7-million shipment of suspected ecstasy concealed in inbound foreign parcels at a cargo handling area in Clark Freeport Zone on January 2, 2026, authorities reported.
The interdiction was carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Clark, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (CRK-IADITG), and with support from the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the command of Acting Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
At around 8:00 a.m., two inbound parcels originating from Innsbruck, Austria and bound for Davao City were subjected to inspection. Authorities discovered approximately 4,124 tablets of suspected ecstasy hidden inside the packages, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱7,040,125.
The seized illegal drugs were secured, resealed, and placed under the custody of the Bureau of Customs for turnover to PDEA CRK-IADITG for proper disposition in accordance with Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The successful interception underscores the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies amid attempts by drug syndicates to exploit international logistics channels to smuggle illegal drugs into the country.
PNP Acting Chief PLTGEN Nartatez Jr. said the operation highlights the strength of unified law enforcement action in safeguarding the country’s entry points.
“This interception highlights the strength of inter-agency efforts in protecting the country’s entry points and disrupting international drug trafficking activities. Kapag sabay-sabay na kumikilos ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, mas napipigilan ang pagpasok ng ilegal na droga sa bansa,” he said.
He added that preventing illegal drugs from reaching communities remains a core responsibility of the PNP, stressing that constant monitoring and enforcement will continue to block the entry of illegal substances before they reach the streets.
The operation is consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, and aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify nationwide anti-illegal drugs efforts under the banner of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
