The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has foiled a drug smuggling attempt at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
On Saturday, Oct. 12, a South African national was arrested after authorities discovered 6.2 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, in his checked-in luggage.
The suspect arrived from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on flight ET 644. BOC agents became suspicious after an x-ray scan of his luggage revealed irregularities. A subsequent canine inspection confirmed the presence of contraband.
Upon physical examination, authorities found the shabu concealed within the suitcase. The drugs have an estimated street value of P42.1 million.
BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio commended his team for the successful operation, emphasizing the agency's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
“Many transnational syndicates and organizations continue to use our ports as corridors to smuggle illegal drugs and disseminate them from Metro Manila to far-flung provinces. With many others, our agents were hard at work in disrupting these criminal networks,” Rubio said.
Verne Enciso, Director of the BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), explained that the suspect's luggage was flagged for inspection due to the suspicious x-ray images and positive canine indications.
The suspect is currently detained while authorities investigate the source of the drugs and the individuals involved in the smuggling attempt.
Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy, meanwhile, assured the public that the BOC will continue to prioritize the fight against drug trafficking. (Derco Rosal)