P496.4-M shabu seized at NAIA cargo facility

Authorities intercepted an abandoned inbound parcel containing approximately 73,002 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) valued at P496,413,600 at a cargo facility in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Complex in Pasay City on Monday, 5 October.

Intelligence personnel of the PNP Aviation Security Group, and members of the NAIA-IADITG, intercepted the parcel, which arrived in a wooden crate wrapped in transparent plastic. It was declared as a “pelletizing machine” and shipped from Mexico to a consignee in Parañaque City.

The suspected illegal drugs were discovered during cargo X-ray security screening and manual inspection conducted by Bureau of Customs personnel, followed by K-9 paneling by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The seized drugs were subsequently turned over to NAIA-IADITG personnel for transport to the PDEA National Office in Quezon City. PDEA will take cognizance of the case for proper disposition and further investigation.

PNP AVSEGROUP Director Police Brigadier General Dionisio Bartolome Jr. emphasized that the operation demonstrates the Group’s unwavering commitment to securing the country’s aviation gateways and preventing the illicit movement of dangerous drugs through air cargo channels.