BOC-NAIA Thwarts Major Drug Smuggling Attempt, Arrests Two Foreign Nationals

Manila-The Bureau of Customs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) has successfully intercepted illegal drugs valued at approximately PHP56.5 million and arrested two foreign nationals in separate incidents. These operations, which took place on August 13 and 14 at NAIA Terminal 3, involved a coordinated effort with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement groups.

According to Philippines News agency, the first arrest occurred on Tuesday when a South African passenger arriving from Abu Dhabi was found with 5.26 kilograms of suspected shabu, valued at around PHP35.80 million. The following day, a Thai passenger was apprehended carrying 14.83 kilograms of high-grade marijuana, estimated to be worth PHP20.75 million. These seizures were the result of meticulous baggage checks utilizing x-ray scans, K9 units, and thorough physical inspections. Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders against illegal activities.