P97.89M shabu seized from South Africans at NAIA

Around 14 kilograms of shabu worth approximately P97.89 million were seized at Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Friday.

The contraband was discovered in the luggage of two South African nationals during an inspection at Terminal 3's international arrivals area around 1 a.m., after their flight from Johannesburg via Dubai.

X-ray operators flagged suspicious items, leading the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) to conduct further inspections where they found shabu hidden in handbags and improvised pouches.

The suspects claimed that a Nigerian friend invited them on an all-expense-paid trip to the Philippines and instructed them to meet another Nigerian upon arrival.

Authorities confiscated cellular phones, travel documents, and identification cards from the suspects, who are now under the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

They may face charges under Republic Act 9165 for importing illegal drugs, potentially facing life imprisonment and a fine up to P10 million.

This operation underscores the commitment of our task force in protecting our borders and ensuring public safety.