Alleged drug-addicted Swiss woman barred from entering Philippines

A 35-year-old Swiss horticulturist, who allegedly admitted being drug addict, was barred from entering the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Tuesday.

The BI said Chrystel Canitrot, 35, who allegedly confessed being addicted to morphine, was denied entry last Dec. 6 when she arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3, aboard a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong.

The immigration bureau said Canitrot was restless and disturbed during her interview with immigration officers. She was also uncooperative and was not able to answer questions about her travel itinerary and plans in the country.

“She could not answer basic questions, and later admitted that she is dependent on morphine. She asked that she be given morphine because she was in pain and said that she just wanted to get out of the airport,” BI Port Operations Division Chief Grifton Medina said.

“She claims that she does not know anyone in the Philippines, and could not name the place where she would stay,” Medina added. “It was so strange. She would fall asleep in the middle of the interview, which prompted us to refer her to the airport’s medical team for examination.” he added.

The BI said the Swiss woman allegedly came to the country to stay for two months and reportedly “only wants to go to the beach” but she did not specify which beach.

Canitrot was sent back to Hong Kong and banned from re-entering the Philippines even though no conclusive medical issue was found by the airport medical team.

“We had no choice but to order her exclusion as she is likely to become a public charge,” Medina said in his report.

The Swiss woman allegedly told airline crew, medical staff, and immigration personnel that she is “addicted to morphine.” She also did not react when told that she was being sent back to Hong Kong. /muf