Authorities intercepted an arriving passenger after suspected shabu was discovered hidden in her luggage at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on March 14, 2026.
The Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP) identified the suspect as a 48-year-old Croatian national who arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a connecting flight to Hong Kong.
The passenger’s beige-colored luggage was flagged during routine X-ray screening conducted by Bureau of Customs personnel after operators noticed suspicious images. The bag was then subjected to further inspection with assistance from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K9 team.
During the examination, a narcotics detection dog alerted authorities, indicating the possible presence of illegal drugs inside the luggage.
A thorough inspection later revealed three improvised plastic packages wrapped in black duct tape concealed inside a false compartment of the baggage.
The packages contained approximately 4,156 grams of a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Authorities estimated the seized drugs to have a Standard Drug Price of ₱28,260,800.
The passenger was immediately arrested and informed of her constitutional rights. Authorities said the confiscated evidence was properly marked and inventoried in the presence of required witnesses.
The suspect and the seized items are currently under the custody of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) Operations Center for documentation and proper disposition.
PBGen Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, said the incident should serve as a warning to individuals attempting to use Philippine airports for illegal drug activities.
He emphasized that authorities will continue to strengthen airport security operations to prevent drug trafficking and hold violators accountable under the law.
