The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has commended the Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport for its accomplishment and proactive measures in going after smuggling of anti social goods, especially illegal drugs, in 2021.
The Port of NAIA under the leadership of District Collector Carmelita Talusan was recognized by the PDEA led by its NCR chief Christian Frivaldo for its achievement last year when it intercepted 57 shipments of illegal drugs worth P122.7 million.
The contraband, including shipments of kush, ketamine, cocaine, ecstasy, shabu, and liquid marijuana were intercepted by Customs agents with the help from operatives of PDEA and NAIA – Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG).
During the first half of 2021, Talusan’s men were able to intercept P45 million worth of smuggled prohibited substance.
“Over the years, the Port of NAIA continues to perform in partnership with IADITG and PDEA in the borders. As of record, there were 31 drug-related busts in 2019, 43 drug busts in 2020, and 57 drug busts in 2021,” said Talusan.
The bureau also attributed the latest accomplishments from the creation of an anti-narcotics coordinating center to further strengthen its campaign against smuggling of illegal drugs at the country’s premier airport.
The coordination center was made in partnership with PDEA and People’s Air Cargo and Warehousing Inc. (Paircargo).
“This was also strategically placed for importations from Paircargo accounts to the majority of importations coming through NAIA and accessible to the concerns of other six warehouses under Port of NAIA,” said Talusan.
Port officials said they will continue their vigilance against different modes of concealment of illegal drugs thru enhanced and improved profiling techniques.
Collector Talusan said their campaign is in full support of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero’s border control initiatives.
Airport authorities have heightened vigilance in the campaign against illegal drug trafficking in a bid to discourage international drug syndicates from using the Philippines as a transshipment point for illegal substances.
According to PDEA, marijuana, ecstasy, and shabu are among the top narcotics being smuggled and distributed in the streets and these prohibited substances are manufactured by Chinese, Taiwanese, and Mexican drug syndicates.
