A shipment of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu was held by a team led by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), leading to the arrest of a South African courier at the NAIA in Pasay City on August 19.

Agents from BOC NAIA, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Group, monitored the courier’s travels from South Africa and Qatar until his arrival at NAIA.

The passenger’s luggage was subjected to K9 sweeping and X-ray scanning, resulting in the discovery of 21.215 kilos of shabu in his possession. He is now under investigation in the custody of the PDEA and eventual inquest for 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 Bureau, under the leadership of Commissioner Yogi Filemon L. Ruiz, is committed to protecting the country against the entry of illegal goods. The BOC NAIA team, as well, reaffirmed its dedication to its active collaboration and coordination with partner agencies in line with the BOC’s mandate.