The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), has uncovered a stash of shabu concealed inside an abandoned luggage at NAIA Terminal 1 on May 17, 2023.

The luggage belonged to a Ugandan passenger and arrived in the Philippines, via Ethiopian Airlines flight number ET628 and Philippine Airlines flight number PR 737. The luggage underwent x-ray, K9 sniffing, and 100% physical examination, which revealed 2.846 kilograms of shabu hidden inside a range of tools along with other personal effects. PDEA confirmed the estimated value of the seized shabu to be Php19,352,800.

The seized luggage will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings as authorities investigate the passenger for possible violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Drug Act, and RA 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The BOC, headed by Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, reiterates its commitment to preventing the illicit entry of goods into the country. The BOC-NAIA, led by District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa, will continue to intensify border security and enhance its coordination with partner agencies to combat illegal drug smuggling.

Commissioner Rubio praised the efforts of the BOC-NAIA and extended his gratitude to PDEA and NAIA-IADITG for their valuable support in the operation. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts among law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and security of the people.#