In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and intensify the national government’s anti-drug campaign, the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted 151,334 grams of suspected high-grade marijuana (Kush) at NAIA Terminal 3, marking the largest kush apprehension in BOC-NAIA history.
The illegal drugs were found in six checked-in baggage belonging to two Filipino passengers arriving from Bangkok, Thailand via Cebu Pacific Flight 53932.
During routine passenger profiling, the baggage was directed for x-ray screening. Suspicious images prompted for 100% physical inspection, revealing multiple transparent packs of suspected Kush.
PDEA K9 units confirmed the presence of illegal drugs. The suspects were arrested for violating RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) and informed of their rights under the law. An inventory confirmed the total haul at 151,334 grams, with a street value of ₱227 million.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno lauded the successful operation.
“This significant interception highlights our intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and secure our borders.”
“This significant interception highlights our intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and secure our borders. The Bureau of Customs will remain vigilant and steadfast in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country,” Nepomuceno stressed.
The seized drugs and suspects were turned over to PDEA for proper investigation and disposition.
This effort has been made possible through coordination with the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
“BOC-NAIA remains committed to ensuring that our airports are not exploited by drug syndicates.”
“This accomplishment demonstrates the importance of strict enforcement measures and strong inter-agency collaboration. BOC-NAIA remains committed to ensuring that our airports are not exploited by drug syndicates,” District Collector Alexandra Lumontad emphasized.
This major interdiction underscores BOC-NAIA’s crucial role in protecting national security and public safety, and reaffirms the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to fight the proliferation of illegal drugs through proactive border enforcement.
