In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and intensify the country’s anti-drug campaign, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through BOC-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), intercepted a significant quantity of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of P29,702,400.00 at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on June 14, 2025.

The illicit drugs, weighing 4,368 grams, were uncovered during a routine screening of the luggage of a passenger arriving from Malaysia. A combination of x-ray scanning, K-9 inspection, and a detailed physical examination led authorities to a suspicious package containing white crystalline substances. Subsequent chemical analysis confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine hydrochloride.

The suspect was immediately apprehended upon verification of the contraband.

The seized drugs and the arrested individual 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 lauded the successful operation, stating, “This interception is a testament to our sustained vigilance and the dedication of our personnel. We remain steadfast in our mission to secure our borders against drug trafficking and all forms of smuggling.”

District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa also noted, “We are fully aligned with the national government’s thrust to combat illegal drugs. Through strong inter-agency coordination and proactive enforcement, BOC-NAIA will continue to be a frontline defense in protecting the public.”

This successful interdiction adds to a string of recent accomplishments by BOC-NAIA in curbing the entry of illegal drugs into the country, reinforcing its critical role in upholding national security and public safety at the nation’s main air gateway. #