Chinese passenger caught with ammunition, illegal drugs at Naia

This file photo shows passengers who arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on their way to waiting buses. INQUIRER file photo / LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese was intercepted by airport security at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) for allegedly hiding live ammunition and illegal drugs in his shoes, said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday.

DOTr, in a statement, identified the suspect as Qiang Qian, a passenger of China Southern flight number CZ3092 bound for Guangzhou.

He was apprehended at Naia Terminal 3 on Thursday.

Office for Transportation Security (OTS) operatives caught him allegedly concealing two pieces of suspected live ammunition and a sachet of suspected illegal drugs on the left shoe during routine security screening procedures.

The ammunition was said to have been discovered in his right shoe during the x-ray.

The suspected illegal drugs were reportedly discovered in a compartment in his left shoe after operatives manually inspected the suspect’s footwear.

“This is a major blow to those attempting to circumvent security,” OTS Administrator Ma. O Aplasca said in a statement.

“Our robust screening protocols, such as the mandatory footwear removal, enable us to effectively identify and intercept prohibited items, ensuring the security of all individuals within transport facilities,” he added.

The seized items were returned to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

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APL