As part of the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) implementation of its mandate for border security, BOC Port of NAIA arrested this morning, at around 4:00 am, November 8, 2019, a Filipina passenger for attempting to smuggle into the country six (6) kilograms of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride also known as SHABU with an estimated street value of P40.8 million.
The apprehended Filipina passenger arrived from Siem Reap, Cambodia at NAIA Terminal 3 via flight 5J258. The passenger’s backpack was subjected to x-ray scanning which yielded images of suspected dangerous drugs. The baggage was subjected to 100% physical examination, where Customs personnel found white crystalline substances inside two handbags which were inside the backpack further concealed in a tea foil pack.
A field test was immediately made by the CAIDTF and the substance tested positive for Shabu. The passenger and the 6 kilos of SHABU shall be turned over to the PDEA for the institution of inquest proceedings for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165) in relation to Sections 118 (Prohibited Importation), 1113 (Goods Liable for Seizure and Forfeiture) and 1401 (Unlawful Importation) of the Republic Act 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA). Recently, similar shipments of Shabu from Siem Reap, Cambodia were seized in Terminal 1 and in Terminal 3 last October 2019.
The Port of NAIA under the leadership of Collector Carmelita M. Talusan and her team remains steadfast in implementing border security measures. In a statement Collector Talusan stated that the apprehensions are the results of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero’s directives to all Ports to be vigilant in the entry of illegal goods into the country.
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PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE (PIO) Bureau of Customs G/F OCOM Building, South Harbor (Port of Manila), Manila Landline: (+632) 527-8259 Fax: (+632) 527-1968
