By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday lauded the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) for the quick arrest of a foreign national for illegal drugs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Monday.
In a statement, Dizon said the OTS’ quick action is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to airport authorities to ensure the safe and secure travel of passengers.
“Paulit-ulit nating abiso sa mga pasahero, ‘wag kayong magdala ng prohibited items sa airport. Kung droga dala n’yo, lalong wala kayong kawala. Kulong ang aabutin ninyo (We repeatedly warn passengers against bringing prohibited items to airports. And if you bring illegal drugs, you won’t get away. You’ll be jailed),” he said.
According to the OTS, lighters were initially detected in the hand-carried bag of passenger Koh Myungso of Flight OZ 704 bound for Incheon, South Korea, when it passed through an X-ray machine.
During the manual search, suspected illegal drugs and paraphernalia were found. A K9 screening was also conducted for further confirmation.
The passenger also tested positive for methamphetamine upon testing with a chemical analyzer test kit.
The passenger has since been turned over by the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for inquest proceedings. (PNA)
