A passenger bound for Cebu was intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Monday after suspected illegal drugs were found during a routine security screening.
In a statement by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) on Tuesday, the passenger’s backpack was flagged around 10 p.m. by the screening team. Upon inspection, a black pouch was discovered inside the bag containing a sachet of white crystalline substance along with items believed to be drug paraphernalia.
The passenger was supposed to board Cebu Pacific Flight 5J553 and is now in the custody of the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Charges are expected to be filed under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
OTS officials said the incident shows the importance of routine screenings.