Suspected Pinay drug courier nabbed with P24-M cocaine

A Filipina suspected of trying to bring in P24 million worth of cocaine through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport was arrested Thursday by elements of the Bureau of Immigration’s Anti-Terrorist Group (BI-TAG).

BI-ATG Chief Bienvenido Castillo III said the woman, identified as Joy Dagonano Gulmatico, 29, was apprehended upon her arrival at Terminal 3 at around 8 p.m. on board an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Sierra Leone in West Africa.

Castillo said they had noticed the suspicious flight pattern taken by the subject. They suggested that she be examined by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group.

The BI coordinated with the Bureau of Customs duty examiners to inspect Gulmatico’s luggage. They discovered suspicious substances concealed in the linings of one suitcase and four handbags.

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, Airport Police Department, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, National Bureau of Investigation and the NAIA-IADITG took part in the inspection.

The powdery substance, which weighed 4.574 kilos, tested positive for cocaine and had a street value of almost P24 million, according to the authorities who immediately conducted an inquest proceeding.

Based on the passenger flight information, Gulmatico traveled from Sierra Leone on Ethiopian Airlines, with a connecting flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bound for Manila.

The suspect’s identification cards, cell phones, and travel documents were seized by the authorities.

She will face charges of violation of Section 4 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, which pertains to the importation of dangerous drugs with a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10,000,000.