MANILA, Philippines — Four passengers arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, were arrested Thursday after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted more than 41.551 kilograms of suspected marijuana with an estimated street value of ₱62.326 million concealed inside eight pieces of luggage at NAIA Terminal 3.
The shipment was flagged during X-ray screening and a K9 inspection, which prompted customs authorities to conduct a full physical examination of the baggage.
The inspection confirmed the presence of suspected marijuana packed inside the eight luggage belonging to the four passengers.
The operation was carried out by the BOC-NAIA in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), whose K9 units initially detected the suspicious baggage.
Authorities from the Bureau of Immigration, PDEA, and other law enforcement agencies are also present as the examination and case build-up continue.
The BOC said the inspection remained ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attempted drug smuggling, including the identities of the arrested passengers, and possible criminal charges once the operation is completed.
