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The Philippine Ports Authority is intensifying security operations at ports nationwide, resulting in the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and other prohibited items
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The largest seizure was 12 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P81.6 million at Batangas Port on October 7; four people were arrested
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The PPA uses baggage X-ray screening, physical inspections, CCTV monitoring and K9 units to detect prohibited substances and potential security threats
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has intensified security operations at ports nationwide, resulting in the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and other prohibited items, including 12 kilograms of shabu worth P81.6 million, from September to November 2026.
The largest seizure was recorded at the Port of Batangas on October 7, when authorities confiscated approximately 12,000 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P81.6 million, the PPA reported.
Four individuals were arrested during the operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), in coordination with the Batangas Port Police, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
Other operations at Dumangas Port in Iloilo and Jordan and Sibunag ports in Guimaras resulted in the confiscation of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia and ammunition in five separate incidents on October 10, 11, and 13.
The PPA’s Port Management Office (PMO) Panay/Guimaras coordinated with the PDEA, local police stations, and other concerned authorities for the investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.
At the Port of Masbate, a truck driver was arrested on October 11 after security personnel discovered a glass pipe inside his bag during screening at the Passenger Terminal Building.
The Port Police Division (PPD), together with the PCG K9 Team, PDEA and Maritime Police, responded to the incident.
At the Port of Ormoc, a 60-year-old passenger was arrested on October 30 during the Undas holiday period after a baggage X-ray operator flagged a suspicious object inside his luggage. A subsequent inspection led to the recovery of an improvised tooter, which was turned over to the authorities.
The latest incident occurred at the Port of Matnog on November 8, when authorities arrested a male passenger after discovering a vape cartridge containing suspected liquid marijuana weighing approximately one gram and valued at P1,700.
Two glass tubes containing residue were also recovered. The confiscated liquid will undergo laboratory examination to determine its composition.
To strengthen port security, the PPA continues to implement baggage X-ray screening, physical inspections, CCTV monitoring and K9 deployments across its managed facilities.
The agency has also partnered with the PCG to establish the PCG-PPA K9 Training Academy in Mabalacat, Pampanga. Formally turned over to the Coast Guard in November 2024, the facility provides specialized training, breeding and veterinary care for K9 units assigned to various security functions, including narcotics and explosives detection.
Christmas crowd
“Even during the Ber months, we don’t let our guard down when monitoring our ports. We’re more alert now because passenger numbers are rising, and thieves sometimes come up with different ways to smuggle illegal items,” PPA general manager Jay Santiago said in a statement in Filipino.
“But the public can rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure these items do not get past our strict security measures. The safety and security of our passengers remain among our highest priorities. We continue to strengthen our screening capabilities and work closely with our partner agencies to detect prohibited items and address potential security threats,” he added.
The PPA said the series of operations underscored ongoing efforts to prevent the use of port facilities to transport illegal drugs and other contraband, particularly as passenger traffic increases during the holiday travel season.
The ports authority urged passengers and other port users to cooperate with security personnel, observe established screening procedures and report suspicious activities to the proper authorities.
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