Authorities nab Norwegian for smuggling P56.7-M ‘shabu’ at Naia

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities arrested on Friday a Norwegian traveler for carrying a luggage containing shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride worth P56.7 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in Pasay City.

According to the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Naia, the shabu weighs 8.34 kilos.

The Norwegian national’s baggage was screened and believed to carry illegal drugs. Personnel of the BOC-Naia and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were alerted on the matter.

The suspect arrived with the luggage from Dubai via Emirates Airlines EK334.  His point of origin was Johannesburg, South Africa.

The shabu package was discovered inside the luggage after a K9 search and physical inspection.

The Norwegian will face charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Drug Act, and RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization And Tariff Act.

Last August, a passenger from South Africa was apprehended for attempting to bring shabu valued at P144.3 million in the country.

The BOC-Naia vowed to continuously protect the country’s borders and work with partner agencies to bolster its anti-illegal campaign.–Alyssa Joy Quevedo, trainee

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JPV