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The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport intercepted more than 8 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of P43.4 million at NAIA Terminal 3
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Seizure was made from an arriving passenger’s checked-in baggage on January 22
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Drugs were detected through x-ray screening and confirmed via physical examination
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The passenger faces charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act
The Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted more than eight kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of P43.43 million at NAIA Terminal 3 on January 22.
Customs personnel flagged the passenger’s checked-in baggage after suspicious images were detected during x-ray screening, prompting the luggage to be tagged for verification, BOC-NAIA reported.
A 100% physical examination led to the discovery of white crystalline substance suspected to be cocaine concealed inside the baggage.
In coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, the seized substance tested positive as cocaine. The contraband was secured and turned over to PDEA for confirmatory laboratory examination, proper disposition, and further investigation.
The passenger is facing violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, and RA No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
“This interception highlights the critical role of alert inspection and inter-agency coordination in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country,” said Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno. “The Bureau remains steadfast in protecting our borders and our communities.”
BOC-NAIA District collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa said the operation reflected the dedication of frontline personnel “in conducting thorough examinations and ensuring that our airports are not exploited by drug traffickers.”
BOC-NAIA said it continues to intensify inspection protocols in support of the national government’s anti-drug campaign and its commitment to safeguarding public safety.
READ: BOC-NAIA intercepts P3.7M worth of marijuana
