A 48-year-old American departing from the country was arrested after authorities intercepted suspected marijuana kush in his luggage during final security screening at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City on Monday, April 27, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

The suspect, identified by authorities as alias “Jermaine,” an Information Technology contractor for the US government, was about to board a flight bound for Singapore when he was stopped by elements of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) at the Central Security Screening Checkpoint of the International Departure Area, NAIA Terminal 3 around 6:50 a.m.

“The suspect was a departing passenger bound for Singapore when authorities discovered suspected illegal drugs and paraphernalia inside his belongings,” the PDEA said in a statement on Tuesday, April 28.

Recovered from the suspect’s black backpack were about four grams of suspected marijuana kush with an estimated street value of P6,000. The substance was concealed inside an open transparent plastic containing dried leaves, according to PDEA.

“Also found were assorted paraphernalia, including an improvised metal pipe, assorted lighters, condoms, personal documents, electronic gadgets, and several identification cards,” PDEA added.

Non-drug evidence found in the suspect’s possession included an American passport, a boarding pass, and a cellular phone.

The suspect faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, the confiscated drug evidence will be submitted to the PDEA Laboratory Service for qualitative and quantitative examination.

“PDEA reiterates its commitment to strengthening airport interdiction efforts and ensuring that all ports of entry and exit remain secure against illegal drug trafficking,” the agency said.