07/05/2026
JOINT NAIA OPERATION NETS 2 INBOUND PASSENGERS IN P56.6M SHABU SEIZURE
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., together with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other airport security units, successfully intercepted two inbound Filipino female passengers in connection with the discovery of suspected illegal drugs at the Arrival Lobby X-Ray Area of NAIA Terminal 1, Pasay City, on May 6, 2026.
The operation stemmed from a coordinated interdiction activity after BOC X-ray personnel flagged two pieces of luggage containing suspected prohibited items from passengers arriving via a commercial international flight originating from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, which arrived at 4:41 AM.
Upon inspection, BOC baggage inspectors, in the presence of the passengers and law enforcement officers, uncovered multiple foil packs containing white crystalline substances concealed inside improvised carbon-paper pouches.
Subsequent K9 inspection confirmed the presence of illegal drugs, prompting immediate coordination with the PNP Aviation Security Unit NCR, PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG), and PDEA operatives. A field test conducted on-site yielded positive results for Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu). Arrest was made, and the seized items were inventoried, documented, and turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and filing of charges.
Recovered evidence included approximately 8,324 grams of shabu with a standard drug price of PhP56,603,200.00. The contraband was concealed in two pieces of luggage: one black suitcase containing around 4,506 grams of suspected shabu mixed with coffee powder and assorted items, and one dark gray suitcase containing around 3,818 grams similarly concealed alongside brown powder and personal effects. Various identification documents, passports, boarding passes, mobile phones, and personal belongings were likewise seized as non-drug evidence.
The PNP noted that the operation underscores strengthened border control measures at the country’s major gateways, particularly in coordination with customs and drug enforcement authorities to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through international flights.
Aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, the operation highlights the priority on enhanced managing police operations, ensuring that airport interdiction efforts remain firm, responsive, and evidence-driven in addressing transnational drug trafficking attempts.
PNP Chief, PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., emphasized the significance of vigilance in airport security operations:
“Every successful interception of illegal drugs at our ports of entry protects countless Filipino families from harm. We will continue to strengthen our border protection efforts against drug trafficking networks.”
“Hindi natin palalagpasin ang anumang pagtatangka na magpasok ng ilegal na droga sa ating bansa. Ang kapulisan ay patuloy na magbabantay at kikilos laban dito,” he added.
As the PNP reinforces its commitment to secure the nation’s borders against illegal drug trafficking under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
