The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) seized over 44 kilograms of suspected shabu worth more than PhP304 million in two separate interdiction operations at Terminal 3 on July 14, 2025, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and fight illegal drugs. The operations targeted two passengers arriving from Hong Kong on separate flights, who were apprehended after BOC X-ray Inspection Project personnel detected suspicious images in their checked-in luggage during routine screening.

In the first interdiction, the passenger disclaimed ownership of the flagged luggage, which, upon a K-9 sweep and field test, was confirmed to contain illegal drugs. A physical inspection uncovered 20,555 grams of shabu concealed in a hidden compartment, valued at approximately PhP139.7 million.

Later that day, a second passenger was intercepted after a K-9 sweep and physical examination of her luggage revealed 24,231 grams of suspected shabu, estimated at PhP164.77 million.

The two suspects were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for further investigation and inquest proceedings, while the seized drugs were submitted to the PDEA Laboratory Service for chemical analysis. The operations were carried out in close coordination with the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) and PDEA.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno lauded the vigilance and professionalism of the NAIA personnel. “We remain steadfast in securing our borders against the entry of illegal drugs. These successful interdictions in a single day demonstrate the Bureau’s unwavering resolve to support the President’s call for good governance, public safety, and the protection of our airports from criminal exploitation,” he said.

NAIA District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad also highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration. “Our personnel continue to perform their duties with vigilance and integrity. These accomplishments underscore our firm commitment to keeping our airports drug-free and safeguarding the Filipino people from the menace of illegal drugs,” she said.

The BOC reaffirmed its strong stand against drug trafficking and its commitment to strengthen border security through enhanced intelligence, upgraded inspection technologies, and close cooperation with partner agencies, in pursuit of the President’s vision of a safer, more prosperous Philippines.