The PNP Aviation Security Group reported that the Aviation Security Unit 7 together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport arrested the 58-year-old South African national on Wednesday (1 February 2023) after the Bureau of Customs discovered packs of suspected shabu in his luggage upon his arrival at MCIA Terminal 2.
According to AVSEU7 Chief PCol. Arthur A. Salida, the arrested suspect was a newly arrived passenger aboard Qatar Airways flight QR924 from Doha, Qatar.
PCol. Salida added that after the initial examination conducted by the chemist from PDEA 7, the suspected illegal drug was found to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as shabu. A total of 17.69 kilograms with an estimated value of PHP 120,353,000.00 were seized from the suspect.
The arrested passenger is now under the custody of PDEA 7 and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PNP-AVSEGROUP Director PBGen Anthony Aberin said that he commends the personnel of MCIA and PDEA for the successful arrest of the suspect. Several arrests of individuals in possession of illegal drugs in our airports are attributed to the active partnership of the PNP and PDEA in collaboration with airport authorities.