P42.16M shabu seized from SA passenger at NAIA

Authorities seized approximately P42.16 million worth of shabu from a South African passenger at NAIA Terminal 3 on Saturday, October 12.

The passenger, arriving from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was found with 6.2 kilograms of the illegal drug in his luggage during screening.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) utilized efficient profiling and up-to-date equipment, including X-ray inspection and K-9 sweeping, which led to the discovery.

BOC agents became suspicious of the checked-in luggage due to X-ray imaging results, and a physical examination revealed the substance hidden under the passenger's suitcase.

The confiscated items and the arrested individual were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for inquest proceedings.

The passenger claimed he was unaware of the shabu in his bag, stating he had recently purchased it.

PDEA noted the difficulty in believing the passenger's claim, given the significant weight of the drugs found.

The BOC assured that the agency will continue to work hard in foiling the entry of illegal drugs in the country.