In line with the administration’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), successfully intercepted approximately 6,000 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” at the Customs Arrival Area of NAIA Terminal 3.
A Swiss national arriving from Abu Dhabi was flagged during routine non-intrusive x-ray scanning. The suspicious images prompted the conduct of a 100% physical examination, which revealed four (4) plastic packs containing white crystalline substances concealed within the sides of the passenger’s luggage.
The PDEA K9 Unit later confirmed the presence of illegal drugs through a positive indication. Confirmatory testing using the spectrometer also yielded positive results for Methamphetamine.
Following standard procedure, the passenger was arrested by authorities for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and was informed of her constitutional rights. An official inventory was conducted, confirming a total net weight of approximately 6,000 grams of Methamphetamine with a standard value of ₱40.8 million.
Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, commended the vigilance of the frontline personnel.
“Our ports and airports remain under strict watch.”
“This operation is a clear message to international drug syndicates: the Philippines will not be a gateway for illegal drugs. Our ports and airports remain under strict watch,” Nepomuceno said.
The contraband and the arrested individual were subsequently turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation.
“Our enforcement efforts will continue to intensify in coordination with our partner agencies.”
“This success highlights the unrelenting commitment of the Bureau of Customs to secure our borders. Our enforcement efforts will continue to intensify in coordination with our partner agencies,” District Collector Alexandra Lumontad added,
The BOC – NAIA reiterates its full support for the national government’s anti-drug efforts and will continue to uphold its mandate to protect the country’s borders from the entry of prohibited substances.
