MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — Authorities intercepted more than ₱5.6 million worth of suspected illegal drugs concealed in two separate overseas parcels during a joint interdiction operation at the Clark Freeport Zone on April 24, 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the operation was carried out by the Clark Inter-Agency Task Force Against Illegal Drugs (CRK-IATFAID), composed of the National Bureau of Investigation–Pampanga District Office (NBI-PAMDO), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to reports, the first package, declared as “1 X File with Documents,” raised suspicion during routine inspection at a courier warehouse. Upon opening, authorities discovered two self-sealing transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu. The confiscated substance weighed approximately 710 grams and carried an estimated street value of Php4,828,000.
Shipping records indicated that the parcel originated from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and was addressed to a church in Silang, Cavite.
In a separate inspection conducted on the same day, operatives also uncovered suspected marijuana concentrate, commonly known as kush, hidden inside a package declared as “CEACO Puzzles 500 pieces, 4 included – Food Trucks.” The parcel contained one self-sealing plastic package weighing about 540 grams, with an estimated value of Php810,000. It was reportedly shipped from a residential address in Costa Mesa, Orange County, California, and intended for delivery to a condominium unit in Pasig City.
Authorities said both shipments are part of ongoing attempts to smuggle illegal drugs into the country by disguising them as ordinary consumer goods or documents.
The seized substances were immediately marked and documented before being turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper handling and laboratory examination by the PDEA.
Officials emphasized that the importation, distribution, and delivery of dangerous drugs remain punishable under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals behind the shipments and to determine possible links to organized drug trafficking networks. (Jason de Asis)