The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Clark seized two parcels containing ecstasy tablets worth ₱7,040,125, reinforcing the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs as the country enters 2026.
The operation was conducted in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Airport Interdiction Unit (PDEA-AIU) and was witnessed by personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The shipments, originating from Austria and bound for Davao City under the same consignee, contained a total of 4,124 ecstasy tablets.
The interdiction was triggered by heightened vigilance during the holiday period when both parcels arrived at an air express warehouse at Clark International Airport on December 24, 2025 and were flagged by the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) Team for suspicious images.
A 100% physical examination was immediately conducted by Customs Examiners in the presence of PDEA operatives and PNP personnel.
Both parcels were declared as car mats.
However, upon examination, the first parcel yielded 2,693 ecstasy tablets with an estimated value of ₱4,591,275.00, while the second contained 1,431 ecstasy tablets valued at ₱2,448,850.00.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno underscored the Bureau’s resolve moving forward.
“Our direction for 2026 is clear—stronger border protection, sustained vigilance, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of the Filipino people through close coordination with our law enforcement partners,” Nepomuceno said.
“This successful operation highlights the BOC’s unwavering support for President Marcos’ marching orders.”
“This successful operation highlights the BOC’s unwavering support for President Marcos’ marching orders to safeguard national security and public health by curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs through strengthened border enforcement and inter-agency cooperation,” the BOC chief added.
The seized tablets tested positive for illegal drugs during an initial on-site presumptive drug test conducted by PDEA operatives, and the BOC’s Rigaku handheld spectrometer.
Representative samples were subsequently submitted to PDEA for confirmatory laboratory examination to determine the exact chemical composition of the suspected substance, believed to be Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a dangerous drug under Republic Act No. 9165, as amended.
District Collector Jairus Reyes emphasized that vigilance remains high even during peak holiday periods.
“As we open 2026, this successful operation sends a clear message that even during the holiday season, the Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark does not let its guard down.”
“As we open 2026, this successful operation sends a clear message that even during the holiday season, the Bureau of Customs – Port of Clark does not let its guard down. Under the steady direction of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, our officers remain alert and committed to protecting our borders from illegal drugs,” Reyes said.
Pending laboratory confirmation, a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) shall be issued for violations of Sections 118(g), 119(d), and Section 1113 paragraphs (f), (i), and (l) of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), in relation to R.A. No. 9165.
