The Bureau of Customs (BOC) apprehended a traveler carrying cocaine valued at over P40 million at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Thursday.
The female passenger arrived from Brazil via a connecting flight from Doha.
The illegal drugs were discovered during an X-ray screening that flagged suspicious images in the passenger’s checked baggage. A physical examination confirmed the presence of a white powdery substance valued at P43,444,100.
The passenger is currently undergoing inquest proceedings for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. This follows a similar interception of cocaine hidden in luggage on January 22. Joel E. Zurbano
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that the success of the operation demonstrates the vigilance of personnel and the effectiveness of border controls.
Traffickers have been increasingly using luggage compartments to hide substances.
NAIA District Collector Yasmin Mapa reaffirmed the commitment of airport officers to thorough inspections. The Port of NAIA aims to further enhance inter-agency collaboration to support the national anti-drug campaign.
