Profiling, equipment led to arrest of South African drug suspect – BOC

MANILA, Philippines — The arrest of a South African national with illegal drugs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 was made possible by efficient profiling and up-to-date equipment at the country’s entry and exit points, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the BOC said its personnel successfully monitored and profiled the South African national after an X-ray inspection of his checked-in baggage showed signs of the presence of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

“Our agents immediately became suspicious with the check-in luggage because of the x-ray imaging results. It was marked “x” as it underwent K-9 sweeping that also resulted in positive indications,” Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso said.

“The subject luggage was then physically examined and our agents found white crystalline substance that allegedly looked like methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu. The substance was hidden under the passenger’s suitcase,” he added.

Last Sunday, the BOC reported that a South African was arrested on Saturday for carrying shabu with an estimated street value of P42.1 million.

BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio and Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy meanwhile commended the agency’s team at Naia, while assuring that the agency will continue to work hard in foiling the entry of illegal drugs in the country.