Drug detectors eyed

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is looking into the possibility of buying drug-detecting equipment for the country’s premier airport.

According to MIAA general manager Ed Monreal, they were considering buying at least 10 of these equipment to prevent illegal substances from being smuggled through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

At least one case was reported at the Naia, the port of origin of a drug offender who was arrested on July 30 at the Hong Kong International Airport for carrying 720 grams of cocaine.  The MIAA is still investigating how the passenger was able to pass through Naia without the cocaine being detected.

Monreal said that while more drug-sniffing dogs may help, these cannot work 24/7 so they would have to be constantly replaced to give them time to rest.

He pointed out that the K9 team would also have to be trained and evaluated before the dogs could start working.  “So we are looking more at the possibility of procuring equipment which can be used non-stop, 24/7,” Monreal added.

Meanwhile, the Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) is taking an active role against drug trafficking in the country’s airports, including the Naia.

Avsegroup director Chief Supt. Mao Aplasca said that his unit had volunteered to provide active assistance to counter drug trafficking, particularly in the detection and arrest of suspects.

He pointed out that under the old protocol which was more of passive assistance, drug suspects arrested by the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at any airport were only turned over to the Avsegroup.

“This time we are eyeing a protocol that will enable us to actively assist them,” Aplasca said, adding that he had initially asked the Philippine National Police for K9 units that could detect drugs. “Our K9 are mostly explosive detectors,” he explained.

“Hopefully, we will be given these dogs so we will be able to enhance our preventive measure as far as drug trafficking in our airports is concerned,” Aplasca said.