The Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted more than eight kilograms of cocaine from an arriving passenger at NAIA Terminal 3 on 22 January, with an estimated value of P43,428,200.

Suspicious images were detected during x-ray screening of the checked-in baggage of a passenger, prompting the luggage to be tagged for verification.

A 100 percent physical examination was immediately conducted, which led to the discovery of a white crystalline substance suspected to be cocaine weighing approximately 8.194 kilograms, concealed inside the baggage.

The seized substance yielded positive results during field testing and was secured and turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforecement Agency for confirmatory laboratory examination, proper disposition, and further investigation.

The passenger faces violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno emphasized the importance of vigilance at international gateways.

"This interception highlights the critical role of alert inspection and inter-agency coordination in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country," Nepomuceno said.