Makati city: The Southern Police District (SPD) has seized PHP7.13 million worth of suspected illegal drugs after discovering two abandoned eco-bags along Apartment Ridge Street in Barangay Urdaneta, Makati City. The incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, and highlights the ongoing battle against illegal drug trafficking in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, SPD director Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo disclosed that the police acted on a report of unattended bags around 12:20 p.m., following a phone call received at approximately 12:05 p.m. from a concerned citizen. Officers from the Makati City Police inspected the bags and found suspected ecstasy tablets valued at PHP6.23 million, marijuana kush worth PHP655,000, marijuana oil vape cartridges valued at PHP23,400, and cocaine priced at PHP222,600, totaling an estimated PHP7,131,500.

Arceo emphasized the critical role of public vigilance and prompt police action in preventing illegal drugs from infiltrating communities. He stated, "This recovery shows how alert citizens and responsive police units can stop large volumes of illegal drugs from reaching our streets. Every report matters."

Currently, no suspects have been identified, and the recovered items have been handed over to the SPD Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and further investigation.

In another operation, members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a male suspect and confiscated PHP5 million worth of allegedly smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Cruz, Victoria, Tarlac, on December 13. CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II confirmed that the suspect, identified as Anton, 37, a resident of Barangay San Francisco, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, was found with 317 master cases of assorted tobacco products valued at approximately PHP5,072,000. The seized cigarettes reportedly lacked the graphic health warnings required under Republic Act 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warnings Law.