MANILA, Philippines — Authorities intercepted a shipment containing thousands of Ecstasy tablets concealed in candy boxes at the Port of Clark, Pampanga, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said Wednesday.

The parcel, which contained 4,491 tablets of Ecstasy or MDMA—a party drug classified as illegal in the Philippines—was declared as gummy candies and Belgian waffle biscuits. It was shipped from Brussels, Belgium and was bound for Quezon City.

The BOC said the seizure was carried out in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Airport Interdiction Unit (PDEA-AIU) after the agency received derogatory information about the incoming shipment.

Customs examiners and PDEA operatives conducted a K-9 sniff test, which yielded positive results for illegal drugs. A physical inspection later revealed the tablets hidden in seven boxes.

Chemical analysis by PDEA confirmed the substance as Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a prohibited drug under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The BOC issued a warrant of seizure and detention against the parcel for violations of Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, in relation to the anti-drug law.

District Collector Jairus Reyes said the operation underscored the importance of vigilance and inter-agency coordination in preventing drug smuggling.

“This operation sends a clear and strong message—the Port of Clark will not be a gateway for illegal drugs,” Reyes said.

The Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force carried out the operation alongside the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, National Bureau of Investigation Pampanga District Office, Department of Justice, and local officials from Barangay Dau in Mabalacat City.

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the successful interdiction is part of the agency’s intelligence-driven efforts to curb drug smuggling.

“We will continue to pursue aggressive measures against drug smuggling while ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipino people,” he said.