P7.7-M shabu 'inside abandoned cargoes' found in NAIA -- NBI
At A Glance
Illegal drugs worth P7.7 million have been found inside the abandoned cargoes at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Friday, Feb. 20.
The NBI said its Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) found the illegal drugs last Feb. 11 inside the People's Air Cargo & Warehousing Co., Inc. (PAIRCARGO) Center located inside the NAIA complex.
“During a meticulous inspection of incoming cargoes, agents discovered 5.425 kilograms of white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride),” it said.
“The illegal substances were discovered within three abandoned shipments, where the contraband had been professionally concealed inside common declared items to evade detection,” it also said.
The seized illegal drugs were immediately turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for forensic examination and official custody, it added.
The NBI said a follow-up investigation is underway to track the origin of the shipments, identify the individuals involved, and initiate the filing of appropriate criminal charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.