As part of its strengthened border protection efforts, the Bureau of Customs Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted cocaine worth PhP24,242,200 at NAIA Terminal 3 on January 9, 2025.

The illegal drugs, weighing 4,574 grams, were discovered during a comprehensive inspection involving x-ray scanning, K-9 check, and a detailed physical examination of the passenger’s luggage. The passenger arrived from Addis Ababa and was immediately arrested.

The seized drugs and the suspect were turned over to PDEA for inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio emphasized the agency’s commitment, stating, “We are committed and we call for an even higher standard in safeguarding our borders.”

District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa reaffirmed BOC-NAIA’s dedication to preventing smuggling and ensuring the safety of the Filipino people. #