P42.1-M illegal drugs seized at NAIA

NAIA composite image from Inquirer file photos

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities confiscated P42.1-million illegal drugs from a South African national at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday night.

PNP-Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said the operations took place at 9:20 p.m.

It was conducted in cooperation with operatives from the Intelligence Foreign and Liaison Division and officials of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Bureau of Customs stationed at the NAIA Customs International Arrival Area of Terminal 3.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old male South African national, who was found with one black luggage containing one transparent plastic pouch wrapped with black duct tape and packaging tape.

Inside the pouch was a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with a total weight of 6,200 grams and an estimated standard drug price of P42.16 million.

The seized suspected drug evidence was inventoried, marked, photographed and immediately submitted to PDEA Laboratory Service for analysis.

Matta commended the dedicated efforts of the operating units.

“The impressive outcomes of our recent drug enforcement operation highlight the effectiveness of the government’s strategies in combating drug-related crime. This success not only disrupts the drug trade but also fosters a safer and healthier community,” he said.