Photo By: Bureau of Customs
PASAY CITY — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted approximately ₱56.6 million worth of suspected illegal drugs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1, resulting in the arrest of two Filipino female passengers in a coordinated interdiction operation with law enforcement agencies.
Authorities from the BOC–NAIA, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), apprehended the two arriving passengers from Cambodia during routine inspection at the International Arrival Area early morning of May 6.
During the examination of their luggage, customs officers discovered around 8,324 grams of white crystalline substance suspected to be Methamphetamine Hydrochloride or “shabu,” with an estimated street value of ₱56,603,200. The illegal drugs were concealed inside improvised pouches made of carbon paper and packaging tape and hidden among coffee powder, assorted coffee packs, and personal belongings in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
Photo By: Bureau of Customs
The operation was conducted by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, reflecting intensified border security efforts to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the operatives involved in the successful interception, emphasizing the agency’s continued vigilance in protecting national borders.
“This successful interdiction reflects our strengthened border protection measures and sustained coordination with our partner agencies. In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we remain firm in our commitment to prevent the entry of illegal drugs and ensure the safety and well-being of the Filipino people,” Nepomuceno said.
The confiscated substances will be turned over to the PDEA Laboratory Service for confirmatory examination, while inquest proceedings are being prepared against the arrested individuals for violation of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The BOC–NAIA, under the leadership of District Collector Atty. Yasmin Obillos-Mapa, said it will continue to strengthen its border protection operations through enhanced monitoring systems and closer coordination with partner agencies to combat drug trafficking at the country’s ports of entry.