Manila: Nearly PHP2 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized nationwide in the first quarter of 2026, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Tuesday. About PHP1.865 billion worth of illegal drugs, which were subsequently turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, were confiscated from January 1 to March 29 through intensified border protection and sustained inter-agency cooperation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno conducted inspections and managed the turnover of the various seized illegal drugs at warehouse facilities in Pasay City, specifically at the BOC-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The total estimated value of these drugs was over PHP38 million.

Meanwhile, District Collector Yasmin Obillos-Mapa highlighted that approximately PHP955.888 million worth of anti-drug operations were recorded from January to March 2026. In March 2026, several inbound parcels were flagged due to suspicious X-ray images, resulting in the interception of illegal drugs concealed within various shipments. A total of 5,691 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as 'shabu,' with an estimated value of PHP38,698,800, was recovered.