An American passenger was arrested after authorities intercepted approximately Php 17.46 million worth of suspected marijuana kush concealed in his luggage at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on October 29, 2026.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG), discovered the suspected illegal drugs in two checked-in bags belonging to the passenger, who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand.
According to the BOC, X-ray screening revealed suspicious images inside the luggage, prompting a K9 inspection. A drug-sniffing dog indicated the possible presence of illegal substances, leading Customs personnel to conduct a physical examination.
Authorities discovered 15 vacuum-sealed packages of suspected marijuana kush concealed inside food packaging.
The first bag contained five packages weighing 5,122 grams, with an estimated value of Php 5.12 million. The second contained 10 packages weighing 12,342 grams, valued at approximately Php 12.34 million.
The American passenger was subsequently arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country.
The seizure came just three days after authorities intercepted another shipment of suspected marijuana kush at the same airport terminal.
On October 26, the BOC, PDEA, and NAIA-IADITG discovered 7,335 grams of suspected marijuana kush worth Php 7.33 million inside abandoned luggage that also originated from Bangkok.
The suspected drugs were concealed in aluminum food pouches and sealed transparent plastic bags.
Combined, the two operations resulted in the confiscation of approximately 24.8 kilograms of suspected marijuana kush with an estimated street value of Php 24.79 million in just four days.
The confiscated substances were turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and appropriate legal proceedings.
BOC-NAIA District Collector Yasmin Obillos-Mapa attributed the seizures to intensified airport inspections and close coordination among law enforcement agencies.
“We will continue to strengthen inspections and surveillance at our airports. With the help of our partner agencies, we will ensure that illegal drugs are intercepted and those responsible are held accountable,” Obillos-Mapa said.
Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno also commended the personnel involved in the operations, emphasizing that sustained vigilance and interagency cooperation are essential to preventing drug smuggling.
“The fight against illegal drugs does not end with one successful operation. Our vigilance continues, and with every smuggling attempt, our personnel and partner agencies are prepared to act,” Nepomuceno said.
The BOC said it would continue strengthening intelligence sharing, border security, and coordination with other law enforcement agencies to prevent the entry of illegal drugs while facilitating legitimate passenger travel and trade.
