In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify border security and prevent the entry of illegal drugs, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted several inbound parcels containing vape cartridges filled with cannabis oil during routine inspection operations at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

A total of five parcels, addressed to various recipients in the country, were flagged during x-ray screening after suspicious images were detected. Subsequent physical examination confirmed the presence of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, concealed within the shipments.

The intercepted items have an estimated total value of PHP 41,940.00.

The seized items will be turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and for the possible filing of charges under Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno lauded the vigilance of BOC-NAIA personnel and reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to the government’s anti-drug campaign. “We are taking aggressive steps to block the entry of illegal drugs at all ports of entry. This seizure underscores our commitment to the directive of President Marcos and our responsibility to safeguard the country from harmful substances,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno.

The operation also forms part of the initial initiatives of District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad, who recently assumed leadership at BOC-NAIA. “We will continue to tighten enforcement strategies and foster strong inter-agency collaboration to prevent drug smuggling and protect the integrity of our borders,” Collector Lumontad emphasized. #