Anti-drug operatives recovered shabu worth ₱72.8 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Tuesday, according to a The Philippine Star report, citing the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The 10.7 kilos of shabu were discovered inside an abandoned luggage at the airport’s customs exclusion room. The luggage, which originated from Johannesburg, South Africa, and had a connecting flight to Manila, was left unclaimed.
PDEA-NCR chief Emerson Rosales said criminal charges are being prepared against the sender and intended recipient of the contraband under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. The identities of the suspects remain undisclosed to avoid compromising the investigation.
Authorities reminded the public that the importation of illegal drugs carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines ranging from ₱500,000 to ₱10 million.
In a separate operation on Sunday, Quezon City police arrested a 38-year-old man with 81 grams of shabu worth ₱550,800 in Barangay Bagong Silangan.
The suspect, identified as Cristito Beni, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation. Police also seized a .380-caliber handgun and a cell phone from Beni.
Charges for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms have been filed against the suspect.
