The Bureau of Customs – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC–NAIA) seized over ₱112 million worth of illegal drugs at the NAIA Terminal 1 on February 28, 2026, even as it announced the arrest of a Malaysian national.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa said the baggage of the arrested Malaysian was flagged by Customs personnel for inspection, which led to the discovery of the illegal drugs concealed inside his checked-in luggage.
Authorities recovered approximately 16.526 kilograms of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱112,376,800.
Mapa said the operation was spearheaded by the BOC through its Customs Anti-Illegal Drugs Task Force (CAIDTF), in close coordination with the NAIA–Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA–IADITG).
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno underscored that the operation aligns with the strong directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and strengthen border protection measures.
“Alinsunod sa malinaw na direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na paigtingin ang kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga, patuloy nating pinatitibay ang ating pagbabantay sa mga paliparan at pantalan. Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay ng ating mahigpit na koordinasyon at dedikasyon upang mapigilan ang pagpasok ng mga kontrabando sa ating bansa,” he added.
Mapa said the suspect was subjected to inquest proceedings for violation of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
She assured the BOC-NAIA’s firm commitment to safeguarding the country’s borders and intensifying efforts against the smuggling of illegal drugs through the nation’s ports of entry.
