Authorities recently intercepted P39.1 million worth of cocaine allegedly concealed in the luggage of a female passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday.
In a statement, the PNP said the anti-narcotics operation was carried out by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) from January 29 to 30.
Authorities received intelligence information about the arrival of a 38-year-old female passenger transporting illegal drugs. The passenger came from Sao Paulo, Brazil via Doha, Qatar.
During routine X-ray screening at the NAIA Terminal 3, an inspector of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) noticed a suspicious-looking item in a green trolley bag.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K9 unit immediately conducted a secondary inspection of the luggage. The narcotics detection dog reacted strongly to the luggage, signaling the presence of illegal drugs.
A careful manual search revealed a hidden compartment containing four pouches wrapped in tape, plastic, carbon paper, and foil.
Field testing using a Raman spectrometer confirmed the substance as cocaine, with an estimated standard drug price of P39,181,660.
“This interception shows the PNP’s unwavering commitment to stop illegal drugs at our borders. We will continue to enforce the law firmly but fairly, ensuring the safety of every Filipino,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The female passenger was arrested by NAIA Police Station 3 personnel. All procedures, including marking and inventory of the seized items, were done onsite in the presence of media and barangay representatives.
The arrested passenger and all confiscated items are now in the NAIA-IADITG’s custody for proper documentation and legal disposition.
“Illegal drug trafficking will always be met with firm action. Our Aviation Security Group, together with our NAIA-IADITG partners, remains vigilant, maintaining layered security to prevent the entry of dangerous drugs into the Philippines,” Nartatez added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News
