Bernie Anabo Jr.
The year 2026 has barely opened—and already, the Bureau of Customs–Port of Clark has fired a thunderous warning to international drug syndicates: Clark is no safe gateway for poison.
In a razor-sharp interdiction just days before Christmas, Customs operatives intercepted ₱7.04 million worth of ecstasy tablets cleverly disguised as car mats and shipped from Austria to Davao City. Same consignee. Same destination. Same deadly intent. What they didn’t count on was a Customs force wide awake—even on Christmas Eve.
A total of 4,124 ecstasy tablets were pulled out of two parcels after the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) Team flagged suspicious images at an air express warehouse inside Clark International Airport. No delays. No second-guessing. A 100% physical inspection was ordered immediately, with PDEA–Airport Interdiction Unit and PNP officers standing witness.
The result?
• 2,693 tablets in the first parcel worth ₱4.59 million
• 1,431 tablets in the second worth ₱2.44 million
All tested positive for illegal drugs, confirmed on-site by PDEA operatives and the BOC’s Rigaku handheld spectrometer. Laboratory confirmation is underway, but early findings already point to MDMA (ecstasy)—a dangerous drug outlawed under R.A. 9165.
REYES: “NO HOLIDAY FOR DRUG SMUGGLERS”
At the frontline of this successful bust is District Collector Jairus S. Reyes, whose message was as blunt as the seizure itself.
“As we open 2026, this operation sends a clear message—there is no holiday break when it comes to protecting our borders. Under the steady direction of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, our officers remain alert, aggressive, and fully committed to keeping illegal drugs out of the country.”
Reyes’ Port of Clark has proven once again that vigilance does not clock out, even when the rest of the country is celebrating.
NEPOMUCENO: STRONGER BORDERS, ZERO MERCY
At the helm of this intensified crackdown is Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, who made it clear that 2026 will be a no-nonsense year for border security.
“Our direction for 2026 is clear—stronger border protection, sustained vigilance, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Filipino people. We will continue to work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners to shut down every attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into our country.”
Under Nepomuceno’s leadership, Customs is not just reacting—it is anticipating, intercepting, and crushing drug smuggling attempts before they hit the streets.
MESSAGE TO SYNDICATES: DON’T TRY CLARK
With Warrants of Seizure and Detention set to be issued for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (R.A. 10863) in relation to the Dangerous Drugs Act, this operation stands as a clear warning to international drug traffickers.
The marching orders from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. are being carried out—protect national security, protect public health, and stop drugs at the border.
As 2026 begins, one thing is certain:
Customs at Clark is locked, loaded, and watching.
