In a successful interdiction operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, the Bureau of Customs (BOC-NAIA), in coordination with the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG), seized more than nine (9) kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of PhP63 million.

The interdiction took place on December 17, 2024, resulting in the apprehension of a Zambian national in possession of a black suitcase containing assorted clothes and two vacuum-sealed translucent plastic bags of shabu. The confiscated methamphetamine weighed approximately 9,276 grams, with a total estimated street value of PhP63,076,800.

The arriving passenger and the seized illegal drugs were turned over to PDEA, and further investigation is underway for violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).

The operation involved the BOC-Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEG), Airport Police Department, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio stated, “We are ramping up efforts to prevent the smuggling of dangerous substances that endanger our communities.”

District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa reaffirmed BOC-NAIA’s mission to combat drug trafficking, emphasizing the continued strengthening of intelligence-gathering and enforcement capabilities to ensure the swift interception of illegal contraband.