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The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport intercepted suspected illegal drugs worth P114.6 million at NAIA on January 8
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The shipment from Congo was misdeclared as malachite stones
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X-ray screening and full physical inspection led to the seizure of nearly 16.85 kilograms of suspected drugs
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The operation involved the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group
The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted a shipment containing suspected illegal drugs valued at P114.57 million, following an inspection conducted on January 8.
The shipment, which originated from Congo and was declared as malachite stones, was flagged during X-ray screening after exhibiting suspicious images, the BOC reported in a news release.
Customs officers subjected the cargo to verification and 100% physical examination, which uncovered four boxes containing suspected illegal drugs weighing a total of 16,848 grams.
The BOC-NAIA worked with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group in the operation.
BOC-NAIA district collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa emphasized the role of vigilance and coordination among enforcement agencies.
“This result highlights the value of strict risk profiling and close coordination among enforcement units and partner agencies. Our personnel remain alert and ready to act on any shipment that poses a threat to public safety,” Mapa said.
The seized items and the individuals involved were formally turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation.
The case constitutes violations of Republic Act (RA) No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, and RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the interception highlights the Bureau’s firm resolve to stop illegal drugs at the border. “This is not just about enforcement. It is about protecting our communities. The Bureau will remain relentless in screening, inspecting, and stopping illegal drugs at our borders,” he said.
BOC-NAIA stated that the interdiction was carried out in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to intensify border protection and prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country, as part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach against transnational crime.
READ: BOC-NAIA finds P21.4M worth of illegal drugs in unclaimed parcels
