AN American passenger was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after authorities seized P17.46 million worth of suspected marijuana kush concealed in his luggage, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said.
The seizure at NAIA Terminal 3 over the weekend brought to nearly P24.8 million the value of marijuana kush intercepted at the airport within four days.
The bureau, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, recovered 17,464 grams of marijuana kush from the American, who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.
Customs personnel flagged the passenger’s two checked-in suitcases after X-ray screening showed suspicious images. A subsequent K9 inspection also indicated the possible presence of illegal drugs, prompting a thorough physical examination.
Inspectors discovered the illegal substance in 15 vacuum-sealed packets concealed in food packages.
Five packages weighing 5,122 grams, with an estimated street value of P5.12 million, were recovered from the first suitcase. The second contained 10 packages weighing 12,342 grams and valued at P12.34 million.
The American’s arrest came three days after the interception of 7,335 grams of suspected marijuana kush worth P7.33 million from abandoned luggage at NAIA Terminal 3 on Oct. 26.
The bags also originated from Bangkok, and were concealed in aluminum food pouches and sealed plastic bags.
The seized contraband was turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition and the filing of appropriate charges.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Yasmin Obillos-Mapa credited the seizures to intensified airport surveillance and close coordination among law enforcement agencies.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended the BOC personnel, PDEA and NAIA-IADITG, and said the fight against illegal drugs requires sustained vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
