Authorities arrested a 32-year-old Brazilian national at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after discovering more than ₱10 million worth of suspected liquid cocaine concealed in her undergarments.
The suspect, identified as Elysa, a married businesswoman from Chapadinha, Maranhao, Brazil, was intercepted at the Customs International Arrival Area. The NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) said she was carrying a black brassiere labeled “DelRio” containing ten knot-tied transparent latex packets filled with a yellowish liquid believed to be liquid cocaine.
Also seized were her Brazilian passport, boarding documents, assorted bank cards, foreign currencies, cellphone, and other personal belongings.
The operation was carried out by members of NAIA-IADITG, composed of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs, PNP Aviation Security Group, Airport Police, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, National Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Immigration.
Elysa will face charges for violating Section 4 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine between ₱500,000 and ₱10 million.
The confiscated substance is being analyzed by PDEA’s Laboratory Service, while the suspect remains under custody pending inquest proceedings.
