THE Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) turned over eight abandoned checked-in suitcases containing nearly 95 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana, locally known as kush, to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Authorities estimated the street value of the confiscated drugs at approximately ₱141.895 million.
The illicit cargo was detected during routine security checks at the Interline Baggage Room of NAIA Terminal 3.
A PDEA Narcotic Detection Dog alerted handlers to the luggage, while subsequent X-ray screening revealed suspicious images consistent with illegal narcotics.
Upon physical inspection, officers uncovered approximately 94.597 kilograms of suspected marijuana kush.
The suitcases were immediately secured and transferred to PDEA for laboratory analysis, inventory, and further investigation.
The joint interdiction was executed through coordinated efforts among the BOC, PDEA, the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, the Enforcement and Security Service, and the NAIA-District Intelligence and Tactical Group.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa re-affirmed the port’s commitment to strict border enforcement.
“We will continue strengthening our border controls and working closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs and other prohibited commodities from entering our communities,” she stated.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the operating units, adding that the bureau remains vigilant in ensuring the country’s ports are not exploited for illegal trade and smuggling.
