The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) successfully intercepted three abandoned inbound parcels containing suspected illegal drugs valued at P29.712 million during an interdiction operation conducted.
The operation was carried out in close coordination with the NAIA–Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group/Airport Intelligence Unit 2 (NAIA-IADITG/AIU 2), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office NCR, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and Drug Enforcement Group, the Airport Police Department, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Bureau of Immigration (BI), and the BOC–Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF).
The interdiction operation resulted in the discovery and seizure of approximately 3,596 grams of white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated value of P24,452,800. Authorities also confiscated approximately 4,046 grams of white powdery substance suspected to be MDMA or Ecstasy, with an estimated price of P5,259,800.
Two of the intercepted parcels, both declared as “Garden Sculpture,” were shipped from Berlin, Germany.
Two of the intercepted parcels, both declared as “Garden Sculpture,” were shipped from Berlin, Germany, and consigned to a recipient in Pasig City. Upon examination, each parcel was found to contain a gold figurine concealing heat-sealed transparent plastic bags of suspected Ecstasy weighing approximately 2,032 grams and 2,014 grams, respectively.
The third parcel, declared as “Vehicle Air Filters,” was shipped from Lusaka, Zambia, and consigned to a recipient in Dasmariñas, Cavite. Inspection revealed four cylindrical air filters wrapped in carbon paper and masking tape containing approximately 3,596 grams of suspected shabu.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended BOC–NAIA personnel for their alertness and swift action, saying the successful interception of illegal drugs demonstrates the bureau’s strong stand against smuggling.
“The operation was the result of close coordination among agencies, timely information sharing, and careful inspections.”
Nepomuceno emphasized that the operation was the result of close coordination among agencies, timely information sharing, and careful inspections, reaffirming the BOC’s steadfast commitment to protecting the country’s borders and ensuring that those who attempt to smuggle illicit substances through the nation’s gateways are held fully accountable.
The seized substances were submitted to the PDEA Laboratory Service for qualitative and quantitative examination, and further investigation for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa, BOC–NAIA remains steadfast in its commitment to preventing the entry of illegal drugs and other contraband, while strengthening collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to safeguard the Filipino people from the dangers of illegal narcotics.
