DrugsNews

BOC, PDEA, NAIA-IADITG arrest passenger with P56.7M shabu

Joint operatives from the Bureau of Customs-Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport NAIA (BOC NAIA), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and NAIA-Inter Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) today arrested a Norwegian passenger carrying the baggage of 8.34 kilos of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) valued at P56.7 million at the NAIA in Pasay City.

An X-ray agent alerted the BOC-NAIA and PDEA personnel of a screened baggage believed to contain illegal drugs at Terminal 3.

The foreigner brought in the baggage from Dubai via Emirates Airlines EK334. The point of origin was Johannesburg, South Africa.

The luggage, immediately subjected to K9 sweeping and physical examination, revealed shabu.

The passenger will be charged with violating Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Drug Act, and RA 10863, the Customs Modernization And Tariff Act (CMTA).

In August this year, authorities also arrested a passenger from South Africa who attempted to bring in P144.3 million worth of shabu.

The BOC, under the leadership of Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz, is committed to protecting the country against the entry of illegal goods, aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The BOC NAIA said it would continue to protect the borders and will continue coordinating with partner agencies to strengthen its anti-illegal drug campaign.