BOC-NAIA, NAG-TURNS OVER NG P141.89-M HALAGA NG MARIJUANA KUSH SA PDEA

NAKAPAG-TURNOVER ang Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) sa Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) ng walong abandonadong checked-in luggage na naglalaman ng 94.597 kilograms ng hinihinalang marijuana “kush” na nagkakahalaga ng P141.895 milyon.

Ayon kay BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa, nananatili ang ‘vigilance’ ng BOC-NAIA laban sa lahat ng uri ng iligal na droga.

“We will continue strengthening our border controls and working closely with our law enforcement partners to prevent illegal drugs and other prohibited commodities from entering our communities,” ani Mapa.

Sinabi naman ni Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno na patuloy na pinalalakas ng BOC ang ‘border protection and inter-agency coordination while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.’

“Protecting our borders means protecting our people. We will remain vigilant and continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that our ports are not used as gateways for illegal drugs and other threats to our communities,” pahayag ni Nepomuceno.

Sa ulat ni Mapa, ang mga nasabing luggage ay sumailalim sa PDEA K9 inspection sa Interline Baggage Room ng NAIA Terminal 3 at nagpakita ng indikasyon na mayroong illegal drugs.

Suspicious images were likewise detected during X-ray screening, prompting further examination and subsequent turnover to PDEA for proper handling and appropriate legal action, ayon kay Mapa.

Ang naturang operation ay isinagawa sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng BOC, PDEA, Customs Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force, Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service, Enforcement and Security Service at NAIA-District Intelligence and Tactical Group. (JERRY S. TAN)