Authorities intercepted more than P36.8 million worth of suspected shabu concealed in three parcels at the cargo area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport earlier this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a statement, the PNP said the operation was conducted a day earlier by members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group during routine cargo screening.
Authorities discovered three inbound parcels containing 5.424 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P36.883 million.
The shipments underwent manual inspection in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The parcels were consigned to three individuals who are now under validation and investigation to identify other persons involved in the illegal shipment.
The seized suspected shabu was turned over to the PDEA for proper handling and disposition.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the successful interception and the inter-agency cooperation in the campaign against illegal drugs.
“Hindi puwedeng maging gateway ang ating paliparan para sa droga. We will keep tightening our watch, strengthening coordination, and holding accountable anyone involved in bringing these illegal substances into the country,” he said.
Nartatez added that investigators are pursuing leads to identify the organizers and facilitators behind the shipment.
“Let this serve as a warning: we are watching, and we are relentless. The PNP will not give drug syndicates the space to operate – whether on the streets or through our ports of entry,” he said.
