The Bureau of Customs-Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport was again recognized when it intercepted P2 billion worth of illegal drugs and other smuggled items in 2020.
NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan received the Plaque of Recognition presented by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Undersecretary Antonette Tionko, and Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero during the bureau’s 119th anniversary held in Manila South Harbor on Feb. 8.
This was the third time the port was given such an award since 2018.
Records showed that the Port of NAIA seized a total of 44 shipments of shabu, ecstasy, marijuana and other prohibited substances worth P1.73 billion at the airport in 2020.
Collector Talusan attributed their accomplishment in apprehending drug shipments to her men and the continuing support of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.
“This was the result of our intensified campaign on dangerous contraband and anti-social goods at the airport in 2020 in compliance with the directives and programs initiated by Commissioner Guerrero,” she said.
Apart from the smuggled drug shipments, the NAIA port in close coordination with other government agencies was also able to intercept P1.16 million in imported meat products, P2.5 million in medicines without permits, P1.5 million in gun parts and accessories, P11.7 million in assorted jewelry, P29.8 million in undeclared currency and other smuggled food products worth P1.79 billion.
Talusan said despite the risks of the coronavirus disease pandemic, Customs personnel were working 24/7 to ensure proper compliance with all needed personal protective equipment, medical supplies, donations and released them on time.
Also in 2020, the port contributed a total of P33.7 billion in revenue to aid in government projects through the implementation of various online processes.