The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) intercepted more than PHP 56.7 million worth of suspected shabu in two separate anti-drug operations in Pasay City, leading to the implication of three individuals in alleged drug smuggling and transport activities.

The operations were carried out by the NBI through its International Airport Investigation Division (IAID), in coordination with the NAIA Anti-Illegal Drug Interdiction Task Group.

In the first operation conducted on May 6 at the Customs International Arrival Area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, authorities arrested two female passengers from Novaliches, Quezon City, who arrived aboard a Philippine Airlines flight from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

A thorough inspection of their luggage led to the discovery of 8,324 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP 56.6 million. The suspects are now facing inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged violation of Section 4 or illegal importation under Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, a second interdiction operation was conducted on May 19 at the AP Cargo hub along Domestic Road in Pasay City. Authorities intercepted an outbound parcel from Parañaque City bound for Tagbilaran, Bohol.

Investigators found 78 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 117,000 concealed inside three “MOMOM” plastic containers falsely declared as food items. The incident is considered a violation of Section 26 in relation to Section 5 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, which covers the transportation and delivery of illegal drugs.

Authorities said all confiscated illegal substances were properly marked and inventoried in the presence of required witnesses, including media representatives and barangay officials, before being turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Laboratory Service for forensic examination and safekeeping.