The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted 3.722 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, with an estimated value exceeding P25 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The seizure was a result of a joint operation conducted by the BOC-NAIA, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
The illicit substances were discovered concealed inside the luggage of a Malaysian traveler who originated from Madagascar and arrived at NAIA via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 644.
The arrested passenger will face prosecution for violating Republic Act No. 9165, also known as The Comprehensive Drug Act, and Republic Act No. 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio commended the BOC officers for their strengthened commitment to protecting the country's borders from the entry of illicit goods.
P25-M worth of shabu seized at NAIA
At a glance
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported that the agency intercepted methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated value P25.31 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The seizure, weighing 3.722 kilograms, resulted from a joint operation conducted by the BOC-NAIA, in cooperation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
According to the BOC, the illicit substances were discovered hidden inside the luggage of a Malaysian traveler who arrived at NAIA from Madagascar via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 644.
“The passenger's luggage underwent rigorous screening, including x-ray scanning, and a thorough physical examination, which led to the discovery of 3.722 kilograms of Methamphetamine concealed inside the luggage lining,” the BOC said.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said the recent seizure is a direct result of the enhanced dedication of BOC officers in safeguarding the nation's borders against the infiltration of illegal merchandise.
“I commend the Port and our partner agencies in this successful interdiction and suppression of drug smuggling,” Rubio said.
The detained passenger will face legal prosecution for breaching Republic Act No. 9165, commonly referred to as The Comprehensive Drug Act, as well as Republic Act No. 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
Led by District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa, the BOC-NAIA continues to demonstrate unwavering commitment in fulfilling the Port's responsibilities, particularly in safeguarding the nation's borders.
Last Sept. 28, two individuals from Singapore were apprehended for transporting cocaine valued at P76.1M from Doha, Qatar.