P29.7-M suspected shabu seized at NAIA

Authorities reported on Sunday that a 43-year-old Filipino woman was arrested Saturday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after police found approximately P29.7 million worth of suspected shabu in her luggage.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) identified the suspect only as “Lyn,” who was apprehended by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) at about 1:35 p.m. Saturday upon her arrival from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the Customs International Arrival Area of NAIA Terminal 3.

Immigration officers discovered about 4.37 kilograms of suspected shabu concealed within an improvised black duct tape pouch inside her luggage.

The suspect and the seized drugs were taken to the PDEA Office for documentation.

PDEA director general Isgani Nerez stated the operation highlights the commitment of anti-narcotics agencies and their partners to protect the nation’s borders from international drug trafficking.

He added that the discovery of the illegal drugs aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance interdiction and border control operations across all ports of entry.

“Our presence in major airports, seaports, and cargo facilities is not just necessary — it is imperative,” Nerez said in a statement.

The suspect faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.