The Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group arrested four (4) arriving passengers found carrying approximately 41,851 grams of marijuana with an estimated value of over ₱62 million during a joint anti-drug interdiction operation at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
The passengers arrived from Bangkok, Thailand on 30 July 2026, during routine baggage screening, personnel from the X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) flagged their luggage after suspicious images indicated the possible presence of prohibited substances.
In accordance with established Customs procedures, the passengers were referred for a thorough physical examination of their baggage. A K9 inspection conducted by the PDEA further indicated the possible presence of dangerous drugs.
A subsequent 100% examination resulted in the discovery of approximately 41,851 grams of suspected marijuana concealed inside the passengers’ baggage. The seized illegal drugs have an estimated street value of ₱62,776,500.
The operation was conducted through the coordinated efforts of the BOC, Enforcement and Security Service–Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force (ESS-CAIDTF), NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP), PDEA, and Bureau of Immigration. The entire operation was documented with Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with procedures.
The four passengers were arrested and turned over to PDEA for the filing of appropriate charges for violation of Section 4 (Importation of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in relation to Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa lauded the coordinated efforts of the operating units and partner law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the successful apprehension demonstrates the Port of NAIA’s heightened vigilance in detecting and intercepting illegal drugs. She reaffirmed the Port’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the country’s premier international gateway through the strict enforcement of customs laws. In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, she sustained collaboration with partner agencies in securing the country’s borders.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the successful operation, saying, “Hindi tayo titigil sa pagbabantay sa ating mga airports. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang intelligence operations, paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya, at pakikipagtulungan sa ating mga partner agencies upang matiyak na walang iligal na droga ang makakalusot at malalagay sa panganib ang ating mga kababayan.”
