PNP reports P91.8 million worth of illegal drugs seized in operations

PNP reports P91.8 million worth of illegal drugs seized in operations

by

Seized Shipments Total P91.8 Million as Authorities Target Supply Chains

According to a Sunday report by the Philippine National Police, law enforcement apprehended four suspected drug dealers and confiscated illicit narcotics valued at P91.8 million worth of illegal drugs during operations carried out on 5 and 6 November. The coordinated raids mark a significant push by law enforcement agencies targeting both local distribution networks and inbound logistics pipelines.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the multi-day operations yielded approximately 15,436.80 grams, or 15.44 kilograms, of illicit substances. The total haul comprised 11,641.80 grams of shabu, 1,563 grams of marijuana kush, and 2,232 grams of ketamine, carrying a combined standard drug price of P91,887,240.

Regional Buy-Busts Target High-Value Dealers

Operations across multiple regional offices dismantled localized distribution points throughout the country. In Western Visayas, Police Regional Office 6 arrested three high-value individuals during two separate buy-bust operations in Iloilo.

The first operation unfolded in Barangay Polo Maestra Vita, Oton, leading to two arrests and the confiscation of roughly 280 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1.904 million. A subsequent operation in Barangay Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City, netted another high-value suspect alongside approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu worth P408,000. Meanwhile, in Soccsksargen, Police Regional Office 12 operatives arrested a single suspect in Barangay Silway 8, Polomolok, South Cotabato, on 5 November, seizing about 60.80 grams of suspected shabu valued at P413,440.

PNP reports P91.8 million worth of illegal drugs seized in operations
Photo: Newswav

Airport Interceptions Capture Bulk Inbound Cargo

Beyond regional buy-busts, authorities intercepted large shipments entering through aviation hubs in the National Capital Region. On 6 November, 12 abandoned inbound parcels were intercepted at the Central Mail Exchange Center situated along Domestic Road in Pasay City by staff from the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group and the Aviation Security Explosive and Vulnerability Assessment Unit.

A total of 11,241 grams of suspected shabu valued at P76,438,800 were discovered inside those parcels, accompanied by 1,563 grams of suspected marijuana kush priced at P1.563 million and 2,232 grams of suspected ketamine carrying a value of P11.16 million.

The latest airport interceptions follow a string of high-profile seizures at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. An American passenger arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, was arrested on October 29 by Bureau of Customs personnel working alongside the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the traveler carried two checked suitcases filled with food packages hiding 15 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana kush. Five packages weighing 5,122 grams and valued at P5.12 million came from the first luggage, while 10 packages totaling 12,342 grams and worth P12.34 million were found in the second, bringing that traveler’s total to P17.46 million.

Three days prior, on October 26, the joint team intercepted another 7,335 grams of suspected marijuana kush worth P7.33 million inside unclaimed luggage arriving from Bangkok at NAIA Terminal 3, where contraband was concealed in aluminum food pouches and transparent plastic bags. BOC-NAIA District Collector Yasmin Obillos-Mapa noted that in just four days, authorities seized 24.8 kilograms of suspected marijuana kush valued at P24.79 million through these airport operations.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Targets Syndicate Distribution Channels

All seized substances from the November operations are slated for turnover to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency National Office for proper disposition.

Nartatez emphasized that ongoing enforcement must dismantle every channel utilized by drug syndicates.

“We will pursue drug operations wherever they lead, from local distribution points to concealed shipments passing through transport and delivery facilities. Those behind these activities must be identified and held accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.

Reiterating the administration’s stance on community protection, Nartatez added, Hindi natin hahayaang makapasok at kumalat ang ilegal na droga sa ating mga komunidad. Sisiguraduhin nating mananagot ang mga sangkot sa kalakalang ito.

Keep reading

Read next