A FOREIGNER was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after authorities discovered in her possession more than four kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu concealed in her luggage.
Authorities found the illegal drug in an inspection at the arrival area of NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on March 14.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the interception stemmed from routine baggage screening, as airport authorities flagged a suspicious image inside a beige suitcase belonging to a 48-year-old Croatian woman arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a connecting flight through Hong Kong.
Operatives from the PNP Aviation Security units and partner agencies immediately conducted further verification.
A K9 narcotics detection dog later confirmed the presence of illegal drugs in the luggage. Upon inspection, authorities discovered three improvised pouches wrapped in black duct tape hidden inside a false compartment of the suitcase. The packages contained white crystalline substances that tested positive for shabu.
The seized illegal drugs weighed more or less 4,156 grams with an estimated standard drug price of P28,260,800.00.
The suspect, who was traveling alone, was immediately arrested.
