P97.89M shabu seized, 2 South African nationals nabbed at Naia

The Bureau of Customs discovers shabu (crystal meth) worth P97.89 million in the luggage of two South African travellers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. —Photo from the Bureau of Customs
MANILA, Philippines — Shabu (crystal meth) worth P97,892,800 was confiscated by the Bureau of Customs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), apprehending two South African nationals who had flown into the country from Dubai.
According to a report released by Customs on Tuesday, X-ray scanning, K9 assistance, and physical examination led to the discovery of illegal drugs hidden inside the luggage of the South African nationals at the airport’s Terminal 3 on Thursday, Jan. 16.
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The operation involved both the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Naia Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG).
The suspects were turned over to the PDEA, awaiting complaints for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Dangerous Drugs Act; and RA No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
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Article continues after this advertisementIn the report, Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio praised the bureau’s Naia team, “Your continuous dedication in enhancing the border control measures at the airport underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety of the Filipino people.
“We will remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts against all forms of illegal trade,” he added.