Government agents have intercepted a Norwegian tourist caught with a baggage containing more than 8 kilos of shabu worth P56.7 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
A composite team from the Bureau of Customs – Port of NAIA, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and NAIA-Inter Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) arrested the foreigner upon her arrival at Terminal 3.
Customs officials did not identify the suspect. They, however, said she brought in the baggage from Dubai via Emirates Airlines EK334 and the point of origin was Johannesburg, South Africa.
Prior to the arrest, a Customs x-ray scanning agent alerted Port of NAIA and PDEA personnel of a screened baggage believed to contain illegal drugs at the terminal.
The authorities then placed the luggage under physical examination and discovered the contraband.
The foreigner will be charged with violating Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Drug Act, and RA 10863, the Customs Modernization And Tariff Act (CMTA) before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.
In August this year, authorities also arrested a passenger from South Africa, also for trying to smuggle P144.3 million worth of shabu.
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.
Port officials said their campaign against illegal drugs is in full support to Customs Commissioner Yogi Filemon Ruiz’ border control initiatives.
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 international drug syndicates. Joel E. Zurbano