The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), arrested three passengers and seized around 18,679 grams of marijuana worth an estimated ₱18.679 million at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

The passengers arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, and were flagged after Customs officers detected suspicious images during routine baggage screening.

A subsequent physical examination of their luggage led to the discovery of the marijuana concealed inside their bags.

The three passengers were arrested and turned over to the PDEA for the filing of charges for alleged violation of Section 4 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in relation to Republic Act 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa credited the seizure to the continued vigilance and coordination among Customs operating units and partner law enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the operation and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to strengthening border controls and intelligence-led enforcement against illegal drugs and smuggling.