Courtesy: BOC NAIA
AUTHORITIES at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 have apprehended a 23-year-old Malaysian national and seized an estimated ₱112 million worth of suspected shabu.
The successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and prevent the entry of illegal substances into the country.
The suspect arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 on Saturday, coming from Kuala Lumpur. During a routine inspection of the suspect’s luggage, authorities discovered three bags, two of which contained wooden wine boxes carefully wrapped in bubble wrap. Upon closer examination, the boxes were found to contain transparent bags filled with a crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.
The seized substance weighed approximately 16,526 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱112 million. In addition to the suspected shabu, authorities also recovered personal belongings of the suspect, including travel documents, bank cards, assorted foreign currencies, and a mobile phone. The confiscated drug evidence has been submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Laboratory Service for thorough laboratory examination and confirmation.
The Malaysian national will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries severe penalties for drug trafficking and possession. The arrest and seizure serve as a strong deterrent to individuals attempting to use the Philippines as a transit point for illegal drugs and highlight the vigilance of airport authorities in safeguarding the country’s borders.
