By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

BIG HAUL. Authorities account for an estimated PHP72 million worth of shabu seized by the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Inter Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at the Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday (Jan. 6, 2025). The contraband was found in an abandoned luggage that came from South Africa. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)

MANILA – Authorities intercepted an abandoned luggage containing shabu with an estimated street value of PHP72 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

In a statement, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said its operatives assigned at the NAIA-Inter Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG) seized the contraband on Monday noon at the Custom Exclusion Room, international arrival area.

Based on its tag, the abandoned luggage originated Johannesburg, South Africa.

The sender and recipients would be subject to investigation while the seized drugs were turned over to the PDEA laboratory.

Those involved in the drug shipment would face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, in relation to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. (PNA)