BOLIVIAN TRAVELER YIELDS P47.7-M COCAINE IN CANDY WRAPPERS

THE Bureau of Customs-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), arrested a Bolivian traveler carrying cocaine in his luggage.

The Bolivian came from Addis Ababa and arrived in the Philippines via Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 644.

In view of a derogatory report from foreign counterparts, the passenger’s luggage was subjected to rigorous screening, including x-ray scanning and a thorough physical examination, which eventually led to the discovery of some 8.99 kilograms of cocaine concealed in candy wrappers, with an estimated value of P47.7 million.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio commended the collaborative relentless efforts of the men and women of the port of NAIA and partner agencies in protecting the country’s borders against all attempts to smuggle illegal drugs and anti-social goods.

Rubio said the arrested passenger will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).

The official said the BOC-NAIA remains steadfast in the performance of the port’s mandates, especially in suppressing the entry of illicit goods into the country.

Since January 2023, the BOC-NAIA has recorded 59 apprehensions involving the attempted smuggling of illegal drugs, with an estimated value of P1.01 billion.