On October 22, 2026, police and partner law enforcement agencies disrupted the movement of more than Php101 Million worth of suspected illegal drugs through separate operations conducted across Luzon and Visayas, intercepting significant quantities of prohibited substances at various points before they could reach communities.
The largest interception took place at a cargo facility in the Clark Freeport Zone in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, where authorities recovered approximately 19.89 kilograms of suspected ketamine concealed in two incoming parcels. The seized substances have an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of Php99.45 Million.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Drug Enforcement Group, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region III, and the Clark Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group conducted the operation in close coordination with the Bureau of Customs, the National Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement units.
Although the parcels had been declared as legitimate goods, further examination, aided by a narcotics detection dog, led authorities to discover the suspected illegal drugs. As of this writing, the recovered items remain in proper custody for laboratory examination, documentation, and appropriate disposition.
In Cavite, a separate operation in Barangay Salitran 2, Dasmariñas City, resulted in the arrest of a woman and the recovery of approximately 150 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated SDP of Php1.02 million.
Meanwhile, in Iloilo, police operatives from the Passi City Police Station arrested a high-value individual in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Quinagaringan Pequeño. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 220 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated SDP of Php1.496 Million.
Taken together, these operations demonstrate how sustained coordination, from cargo interdiction to local law enforcement, can help prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, said the results underscore the importance of addressing the drug supply chain at every possible point rather than allowing prohibited substances to reach communities before taking action.
“What this shows is that drug interdiction cannot happen in only one place. We have to look at the entire movement, from the moment a shipment enters to where it is stored, transported, and eventually distributed. Kaya ang trabaho natin is to close those gaps, one operation at a time, before the supply reaches our communities,” he said.
The PNP Chief emphasized that these efforts are carried out in close coordination with partner agencies and in accordance with established procedures, ensuring that enforcement operations remain grounded in the law and respect the rights of all persons involved.
The operations are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly its Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens coordinated, intelligence-driven, and responsive police action. The PNP will continue working closely with its law enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs from entering and circulating within the country, strengthen interdiction efforts, and bring those involved in the illegal drug trade to justice.
