The 800 kg. of marijuana, valued at PHP640 million, intercepted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Customs, and the Philippine Coast Guard at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo, Manila early Saturday (March 7, 2026). One suspect, who goes by the alias Manalo, was arrested. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)
Authorities have dealt a major blow to the illegal drug trade after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intercepted illegal narcotics worth an estimated ₱718 million in two separate operations in Manila and Cavite, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
In a statement released Saturday, PDEA said its operatives—working closely with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)—seized around 800 kilograms of suspected marijuana, locally known as kush, during an operation shortly after midnight at the Designated Examination Area of Container Facility Station 3 at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo.
The shipment was flagged during inspection procedures when authorities discovered that the cargo contained illegal drugs hidden inside packages consigned to a declared consignee. The operation resulted in the arrest of a suspect identified only as alias “Manalo,” 44, a resident of Legazpi City.
Authorities recovered approximately 800 kilograms of suspected marijuana packed in 80 black plastic storage boxes. Each box contained several vacuum-sealed transparent plastic bags filled with the suspected illegal substance. Also confiscated from the suspect were a mobile phone and an identification card.
Based on the government’s standard drug price valuation, the seized marijuana carries an estimated street value of ₱640 million.
In a separate anti-drug operation, PDEA agents also intercepted illegal drugs worth more than ₱78 million during a controlled delivery conducted in Barangay Bucandala I, Imus City, Cavite on Friday.
The suspect, identified as alias “Moel,” was apprehended after claiming two balikbayan boxes shipped through a cargo forwarding service. Authorities said the boxes were found to contain several plastic packages of illegal drugs concealed inside.
Recovered from the shipment were around 25.4 kilograms of suspected kush and 11.4 kilograms of suspected shabu, with a combined estimated street value of ₱78.1 million.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the operating officers during the operation. Authorities also seized cash believed to have been used in the attempted bribery, identification cards, delivery receipts, cargo documents, a cellular phone, assorted clothing, and drug paraphernalia including a grinder and a glass tube with traces of marijuana. A vehicle believed to have been used in the transaction was likewise impounded.
All seized drug evidence will be submitted to the PDEA Laboratory Service for forensic examination. Meanwhile, the arrested suspects will undergo inquest proceedings and face multiple charges for violations of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.