The Bureau of Customs (BOC) foiled an attempt by two Japanese nationals to smuggle PHP50 million cash in yen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Authorities identified the suspects as Yuzuru Marumo and Masayuki Aoyagi, who were believed to be Yakuza members based on their tattoos.
BOC Intelligence and Investigation Services supervisor Verne Enciso said that they had received a tip from Interpol about the duo prior to their arrival.
The two arrived at the NAIA with a large sum of money, according to officials.
A Customs official said Marumo and Aoyagi were asked twice if they had something to declare, but the suspects responded “nothing.” When they opened the luggage, they found 100,645,000 Japanese yen.
The Japanese nationals were held for violating the regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Customs Modernization Act.
Under the BSP rules, a traveler may carry no more than $10,000 in cash.
