The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC–NAIA) successfully arrested a Malaysian national and seized more than ₱112 million worth of illegal drugs at the NAIA Terminal 1.
The baggage of the arrested individual was flagged by Customs personnel for inspection, which led to the discovery of the illegal drugs concealed inside his checked-in luggage.
Authorities recovered approximately 16.526 kilograms of white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Authorities recovered approximately 16.526 kilograms of white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱112,376,800
The operation was spearheaded by the BOC through its Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF), in close coordination with the NAIA–Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA–IADITG).
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno underscored that the operation aligns with the strong directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and strengthen border protection measures:
“Alinsunod sa malinaw na direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na paigtingin ang kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga, patuloy nating pinatitibay ang ating pagbabantay sa mga paliparan at pantalan,” Nepomuceno said.
“Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay ng ating mahigpit na koordinasyon at dedikasyon upang mapigilan ang pagpasok ng mga kontrabando sa ating bansa.”
“Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay ng ating mahigpit na koordinasyon at dedikasyon upang mapigilan ang pagpasok ng mga kontrabando sa ating bansa,” the customs chief added.
The suspect was subjected to inquest proceedings for violation of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The BOC–NAIA, under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Yasmin Obillos-Mapa, reiterates its firm commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders and intensifying efforts against the smuggling of illegal drugs through the nation’s ports of entry.
