By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – Authorities arrested two Filipino female passengers and seized from them suspected illegal drugs worth PHP56.6 million in an interdiction operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
In statement, the Bureau of Customs said the operation, conducted Wednesday, led to the apprehension of the suspects who arrived from Cambodia.
Approximately 8,324 grams of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu were concealed in their luggages.
The illegal substances were packed in improvised pouches made of carbon paper and packaging tape, concealed alongside coffee powder and personal belongings in an apparent attempt to evade detection.
The suspects are facing possible charges in violation of Section 4, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended the Customs-NAIA personnel and partner agencies for continued vigilance in protecting the country’s borders. (PNA)
