MANILA, Philippines—Two Filipino travelers from Thailand were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for attempting to bring in medical products suspected of containing illegal substances.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC-NAIA) said that the suspects were apprehended during an operation conducted on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as part of an intensified campaign to secure the country's gateway against prohibited items.
The apprehension followed an X-ray examination that revealed images consistent with illegal drugs. A physical inspection of the passengers' luggage uncovered 199.5 ml of suspected marijuana oil and 60 grams of suspected marijuana balm.
Port of NAIA District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa said that medical claims do not exempt substances from import controls. "The proper authorization is mandatory even for medical use, and without which, the importation of such items remains restricted by the authorities," Mapa said.
The BOC said that medical products remain restricted unless supported by necessary permits from concerned agencies.
The passengers and the illegal items were later turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
On January 19, 2026, authorities intercepted a parcel containing 320 grams of kush and 8.8 milliliters of liquid marijuana.
