A passenger was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday after being caught with an estimated P40.8 million worth of shabu. The incident was part of a joint operation by the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
According to authorities, there was information about the passenger, so he was subjected to careful inspection. Upon the traveler's arrival, he and his belongings were thoroughly examined.
Upon examination, 6,006 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) were found hidden in his luggage. The said drug has an estimated street value of P40.8 million.
In a statement by the BOC, the said passenger and the drugs were referred to PDEA for charges of violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. According to the BOC, the success of the operation was due to strong inter-agency coordination.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said, "This success is proof of the importance of intelligence sharing and joint operations in preventing illegal drugs at our ports." District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa added, "The dedication of our frontliners and partner agencies continues to ensure that the airports are not used by drug traffickers."
