In furtherance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for an intensified anti-drug campaign, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted more than eight kilograms of cocaine from an arriving passenger at NAIA Terminal 3, with an estimated value of ₱43,428,200.
Suspicious images were detected during x-ray screening of the checked-in baggage of a passenger, prompting the luggage to be tagged for verification.
A 100% physical examination was immediately conducted, which led to the discovery of a white crystalline substance suspected to be cocaine weighing approximately 8.194 kilograms, concealed inside the baggage.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of vigilance at international gateways.
“The Bureau remains steadfast in protecting our borders and our communities.”
“This interception highlights the critical role of alert inspection and inter-agency coordination in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country. The Bureau remains steadfast in protecting our borders and our communities,” Nepomuceno said.
In coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter- Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), the seized substance yielded positive results during field testing and was secured and turned over to PDEA for confirmatory laboratory examination, proper disposition, and further investigation.
The passenger faces violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
“This operation reflects the dedication of our frontliners in conducting thorough examinations and ensuring that our airports are not exploited by drug traffickers.”
District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa likewise underscored, “This operation reflects the dedication of our frontliners in conducting thorough examinations and ensuring that our airports are not exploited by drug traffickers.”
BOC-NAIA continues to intensify inspection protocols in support of the national government’s anti-drug campaign and its commitment to safeguarding public safety.
