A COMPOSITE team of government agents intercepted on Monday a suspected drug mule carrying six kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu valued at over P40 million upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
The Bureau of Customs did not disclose the identity or nationality of the suspect. However, it reported that the operation was launched with assistance from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, following intelligence reports concerning the contraband and the suspect’s arrival in Manila.
Upon the passenger’s arrival, his luggage was subjected to rigid screening including x-ray, resulting in the discovery of 6,006 grams of shabu stashed in the luggage, estimated at P40.8 million.
The confiscated substance and the passenger were handed over to PDEA for inquest proceedings concerning violations of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno highlighted the significance of coordinated border enforcement. “This successful interception underscores the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and collaborative operations in preventing illegal drugs from entering our ports. The bureau remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding our borders and communities,” he said.
For her part, NAIA district collector Yasmin Mapa said BOC frontliners and partner agencies “are committed to ensuring that drug traffickers do not exploit our airports. BOC-NAIA will persist in enhancing its enforcement strategies and inter-agency collaboration.”
She said the Port of NAIA was dedicated to the continuous enforcement of customs and anti-drug regulations in support of the national government’s initiative to protect public safety and national security.
