P640M worth of marijuana seized at Manila Port, 1 arrested
Authorities seized a staggering P640 million worth of marijuana at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), leading to the arrest of one individual identified as the consignee of the illicit shipment.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intercepted approximately ₱640 million worth of marijuana (800 kilograms) during an interdiction operation at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) in Tondo, Manila on early Saturday morning, March 6, 2026. The operation was conducted at MICP's Designated Examination Area (DEA), Container Facility Station 3 (CFS3), based on intelligence reports regarding the shipment. The marijuana was discovered concealed inside shipment packages consigned to a declared consignee during standard inspection procedures at the port facility.
The seized drugs were packed inside 80 black plastic storage boxes, each containing multiple vacuum-sealed transparent plastic bags filled with the illegal substance. A 44-year-old man from Legazpi City was arrested following the discovery. In addition to the marijuana, authorities confiscated a mobile phone and identification card belonging to the suspect.
The arrested suspect faces charges under Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The drug evidence was referred for forensic examination at the PDEA Laboratory Service. The operation represents a significant blow to drug smuggling operations attempting to use the country's port system for illegal activities.
This seizure was part of broader anti-drug operations that also included the confiscation of shabu in Cavite, bringing the total value of drugs seized in these coordinated operations to over ₱700 million. The successful interdiction demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking through Philippine ports.
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