MANILA, Philippines—Authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 seized 6,000 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride from a South African traveler on February 15.
The passenger was intercepted by Bureau of Customs officials after a scan of his carry-on luggage revealed suspicious contents.
District Collector Yasmin Mapa reported that the contraband was hidden in improvised wooden books and wrapped in carbon paper and plastic to bypass security.
Two other foreigners have been arrested at NAIA for drug-related offenses this year.
A 77-year-old German was nabbed on February 13 after authorities discovered over eight kilograms of shabu, worth roughly P55.3 million, hidden inside hollowed-out Bibles and his luggage lining.
On January 26, a 64-year-old South Korean man was also arrested at Terminal 3 for possession of 6 kilograms of shabu, valued at P40.8 million.
The contraband was concealed in wooden boxes.
Filipino travelers were also arrested. On January 22, a female overseas Filipino worker was apprehended for carrying P43.4 million worth of cocaine from Brazil.
On February 3, two Filipinos were caught at NAIA attempting to smuggle unauthorized medical products containing illegal drugs from Thailand.
