A 62-year-old woman bound for Bacolod City was arrested with P13.7 million worth of shabu concealed inside a box at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Wednesday, May 28, the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) reported.
The PNP-AVSEGROUP and members of NAIA-Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group discovered the suspected shabu in a “Bonakid Carton Box” packed inside a pink bag during x-ray screening. Upon inspection, authorities uncovered multiple plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance, the PNP-AVSEGROUP reported on its Facebook page.
A K9 paneling and field testing by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, estimated at 2,024 grams with a standard value of over ₱13.7 million, it said.
The passenger was immediately arrested for violation of Section 26 (Attempt to Transport) in relation to Section 5 of Article Il of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“Age or appearance won’t protect those who break the law. The AVSEGROUP in coordination with airport authorities, remains relentless in detecting and intercepting dangerous substances before they reach our communities”, PBGen Christopher Abecia, PNP AVSEGROUP director, said.*