Eight unclaimed luggage items containing approximately 91.4 kilograms of dried leaves suspected to be marijuana kush, with an estimated value of P141.8 million, were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on 1 September 2026.

The luggage was discovered at the Customs Secondary Inspection Area following information from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Personnel of the NAIA-IADITG proceeded to the area to verify and inspect the unclaimed bags, which had initially been left at the baggage conveyor before being secured in the interline baggage room. Authorities later linked the luggage to three passengers who had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.

A subsequent X-ray re-screening by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) showed suspicious images inside the luggage, prompting a more thorough inspection. PDEA K-9 personnel then conducted a paneling operation, with a narcotics detection dog indicating the possible presence of illegal drugs.

A manual inspection by BOC personnel led to the discovery of approximately 91,412 grams of dried leaves suspected to be marijuana kush, with a standard drug price of P141,841,500.

The seized suspected illegal drugs were set to be transported by NAIA-IADITG personnel to the PDEA National Office along NIA Northside Road in Diliman, Quezon City, for proper disposition.

Police Brig. Gen. Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., director of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), said authorities would continue strengthening airport security measures to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country.

“Patuloy nating pinaiigting ang ating pagbabantay sa mga paliparan upang matukoy at mapigilan ang mga pagtatangkang magpasok ng ilegal na droga sa bansa. Sa mabilis na koordinasyon ng ating mga katuwang na ahensya, mas napapalakas natin ang ating kakayahang protektahan ang publiko laban sa ganitong banta,” Bartolome said.