Philippine authorities intercepted parcels containing marijuana-infused candies, cannabis vape cartridges, and dried marijuana leaves at the Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City, exposing a smuggling attempt disguised as ordinary sweets. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confirmed that the contraband originated from California, USA.

MANILA, Philippines — February 3, 2026 — The Bureau of Customs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, announced the seizure of parcels declared as “candies” but found to contain illegal drugs. The operation took place on January 26, 2026, at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC) in Pasay City.

Authorities discovered 63 packs of marijuana-infused candies, cannabis vape cartridges containing approximately 19.5 milliliters of cannabis oil, and dried marijuana leaves concealed inside the parcels. The shipment reportedly came from Costa Mesa, California, USA, and was flagged during routine inspection.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ordered intensified monitoring and investigation following the interception. “Patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng Bureau of Customs kaugnay ng tangkang pagpupuslit ng mga ‘marijuana candy’ sa bansa,” Nepomuceno said, stressing that vigilance is necessary to prevent similar attempts.

The seized items were turned over to PDEA for proper handling and case build-up against those behind the smuggling attempt. Investigators are now tracing the identities of the consignee and other individuals linked to the shipment. Authorities warned that drug syndicates are increasingly using creative concealment methods, including disguising narcotics as food products, to evade detection.

The incident has sparked concern among parents and educators, as marijuana-laced candies pose a serious risk to children if they reach the market. Officials emphasized that the Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign remains a top priority, especially with smugglers exploiting parcels and online platforms to distribute contraband.

This latest bust highlights the government’s ongoing crackdown on drug smuggling through airports and mail centers. The BOC reiterated its commitment to strengthening border protection and urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious packages.

Border Security in the Age of Parcels

Border control once centered on ports and cargo holds. Today, it unfolds in mailrooms and sorting facilities, where small parcels move fast and blend easily into everyday commerce.

This interception shows how e-commerce and international shipping have stretched customs frameworks built for bulk goods, not consumer-sized concealment. Enforcement now depends on intelligence, technology, and coordination across agencies rather than physical checkpoints alone.

If borders are now embedded in ordinary delivery systems, how prepared are institutions to police trade routes designed for speed, convenience, and anonymity?

Image from BOC