Inbound parcels at NAIA cargo area reveal ₱36M in suspected shabu

Authorities intercepted over P36.8 million in suspected shabu concealed in three parcels at the cargo area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) earlier this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement on Thursday, the PNP said the operation was carried out by personnel of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) the day before.

During routine cargo screening, authorities discovered three inbound parcels with 5.424 kilos of suspected shabu worth P36.883 million.

The parcels were also subjected to manual inspection in coordination with personnel of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The parcels were consigned to three individuals, who are now under validation and investigation in order to identify other perpetrators behind the illegal shipment.

The seized suspected shabu was immediately turned over to the PDEA for proper handling and disposition.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the interception of the smuggled shabu and the inter-agency cooperation in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Hindi puwedeng maging gateway ang ating paliparan para sa droga (We will not allow our airports to be a gateway for illegal drugs). We will keep tightening our watch, strengthening coordination, and holding accountable anyone involved in bringing these illegal substances into the country,” he said.

Nartatez said investigators are pursuing leads to identify those behind the shipment, including possible organizers and facilitators.

“Let this serve as a warning: we are watching, and we are relentless. The PNP will not give drug syndicates the space to operate – whether on the streets or through our ports of entry,” he added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News