The Bureau of Customs Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) intercepted outbound express cargo containing suspected dangerous drugs, which were concealed and misdeclared as eyelash sets, electric hair dryers, and electric hairbrushes on May 8, 2023, at the DHL Express Gateway Warehouse in NAIA.

Due to suspicious images seen by Customs x-ray officers, physical examinations were conducted by Customs Examiners, which yielded 560 grams of suspected shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride, with a total estimated street value of PhP 3,808,000.00.

Both the shipper and consignee are currently undergoing investigation by PDEA for the initiation of corresponding inquest proceedings for the violation of RA 9165 and RA 10863, also known as the Customs Modernization Act (CMTA).

BOC-NAIA, under the guidance of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, remains committed to protecting the country against smuggling attempts along the borders, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Commissioner Rubio stated, “We will continue to be vigilant in our border protection efforts to prevent dangerous drugs and other contraband that come in and out of our country. This successful interception is a testament to the effective joint enforcement of our Customs and inter-agency partners against drug trafficking to prevent the worldwide spread of illegal narcotics, especially in the Asia Pacific Region.”

Customs NAIA, under the leadership of District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, will intensify its efforts in border protection, ensuring strict adherence to customs regulations and revenue collection targets, while also promoting trade facilitation.#