The Bureau of Customs - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) on Thursday reported the arrest of two foreigners for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected “shabu” and high-grade marijuana worth PHP56,557,000 into the country.
In a news release, District Collector Yasmin Mapa said the interception of the illegal drugs and arrest of the suspects were conducted during back-to-back operations at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on August 13 and 14, in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.
A South African passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi via Etihad Airways flight EY424 was intercepted on Tuesday with 5.26 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP35.80 million.
On Wednesday, a Thai passenger arriving from Thailand via Thai Airways flight TG620 was apprehended with 14.83 kg. of hush with an estimated street value of PHP20.75 million.
Mapa said rigorous baggage screening processes, including x-ray scanning, K9 inspection, and thorough physical examinations, led to the discovery of the illicit substances.
Meanwhile, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the BOC “will remain vigilant in protecting our borders against the smuggling of illegal goods."
The suspects and the seized drugs were immediately turned over to the PDEA for custodial investigation and the initiation of inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, and Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
In a statement, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta commended the government authorities for working hard to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.
“We extend our gratitude to the brave men and women who worked tirelessly to bring this operation to a successful conclusion. Their dedication serves as a powerful deterrent to those who seek to profit from illegal activities at the expense of public well-being,” Matta said.
The PDEG is a member agency of the NAIA-Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group. (With a report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
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