OVER six kilos of shabu with an estimated street value of at least P40 million were seized by personnel from the Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) from an arriving passenger at the NAIA Terminal 3.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa said the operation conducted on January 26, 2026, was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and intensify the government’s anti-drug campaign and in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
Mapa said the passenger was subjected to inspection following a derogatory information received by the authorities.
It was learned that upon arrival, the passenger’s personal belongings were screened through x-ray examination and subsequently subjected to a 100 percent physical inspection, which led to the discovery of a total of 6,006 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) concealed inside the luggage and with a standard value of P40,840,800.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of coordinated border enforcement, stating, “this successful interception highlights the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and joint operations in stopping illegal drugs at our ports of entry. The Bureau remains firm in protecting our borders and communities.”
For her part, Mapa underscored: “Our frontliners and partner agencies remain dedicated in ensuring that our airports are not exploited by drug traffickers. BOC-NAIA will continue to strengthen its enforcement measures and inter-agency coordination.”
She ensured that the BOC-NAIA commits to continuously enforce customs and anti-drug laws in support of the national government’s campaign to safeguard public safety and national security.
According to Mapa, the seized substance and the passenger were turned over to PDEA for inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and Republic Act No. 10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act).
