German caught at NAIA with ₱55-million worth of shabu hidden in Bibles

More than P60 million worth of illegal drugs were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on February 13.

According to a statement on Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that a German traveler’s luggage was flagged at NAIA Terminal 3 Customs International Arrival Area.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said that the contraband was found inside his luggage, which was flagged during a routine non-intrusive baggage screening.

Inspections revealed approximately 8,145 grams of "white crystalline substances"—identified by the BOC as shabu—hidden inside two hollowed-out Bibles and wrapped in layers of plastic and duct tape, then placed inside a false compartment in the luggage.

The contraband, which was seized immediately, was estimated at P55,386,000.

The suspect was immediately arrested.

“We are tightening our controls through technology, intelligence, and inter-agency coordination. Our message is clear—attempts to bring illegal drugs into the country will be detected, intercepted, and prosecuted,” said BOC Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado.

Marijuana

Meanwhile, four inbound parcels containing around 3.8 kilograms of suspected marijuana from Thailand and Canada were intercepted at the Central Mail Exchange Center and turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper disposition. 

PNP is now conducting further investigation into linked suspects from Cavite, Kalinga, Pampanga, and several other provinces.

"Ang tagumpay na ito ay patunay ng determinasyon ng ating mga personnel sa pagpapatupad ng batas at pagprotekta sa ating mga komunidad… [This success is proof of our personnel's determination to implement the law and protect our communities…] This accomplishment aligns with the PNP Focused Agenda through Enhanced Managing Police Operations. We remain committed to staying ahead of illegal activities and ensuring that our borders remain secure,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/RF/BM, GMA Integrated News