MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) have intercepted a significant haul of illegal drugs, arresting a German passenger who attempted to smuggle over PhP 55 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, into the Philippines.
Report from Bureau of Customs mention that the interception occurred on February 13, 2026, at NAIA Terminal 3, marking another major victory in the intensified crackdown on drug smuggling at the country’s borders. The suspect, who arrived on a connecting flight from Addis Ababa, was flagged during routine screening procedures.
High-Tech Screening Detects Concealment
The discovery was made possible through the vigilance of the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) team. During non-intrusive baggage screening, officers noticed irregular images that prompted a more thorough investigation.
Acting on the alert, Customs examiners conducted a 100% physical examination of the passenger’s luggage. What they found was a sophisticated attempt at concealment:
- False Compartments: Drugs were hidden within the lining of the baggage.
- Hollowed-out Bibles: Two religious books had been hollowed out to serve as hiding spots.
- Heavy Packaging: The substances were wrapped in multiple layers of plastic and duct tape to evade detection.
Field testing and a sweep by the K9 unit confirmed the white crystalline substance to be methamphetamine hydrochloride. The total seizure weighed approximately 8,145 grams, with an estimated street value of PhP 55,386,000.
Stricter Border Controls
The operation was a collaborative effort between BOC-NAIA, the Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (CAIDTF), the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno highlighted that this seizure reflects the Bureau’s commitment to tightening border security through a mix of technology and intelligence. “Our message is clear—attempts to bring illegal drugs into the country will be detected, intercepted, and prosecuted,” Nepomuceno stated.
NAIA District Collector Atty. Yasmin Obillos-Mapa also emphasized the crucial role of modern screening technology. She noted that the successful interception showcased the effectiveness of the layered examination process in spotting contraband, no matter how carefully concealed.
Legal Consequences
The German national and the confiscated drugs have been turned over to the PDEA for further investigation. The suspect will undergo inquest proceedings for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165) and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act No. 10863).
For OFWs and travelers, this incident serves as a reminder of the strict security measures in place at Philippine ports of entry. Authorities continue to warn against carrying packages for others or engaging in any form of smuggling, as the penalties under Philippine law are severe.