BOC INTERCEPTS  OVER P480K ILLEGAL DRUGS DECLARED AS CANDIES AT NAIA

OPERATIVES of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) o Friday intercepted P480,400 worth of illegal drugs declared as accessories and candies at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

The operation conducted by the BOC-NAIA, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG, is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border protection and intensify the government’s anti-drug campaign.

The parcel, declared as accessories and candies, was subjected to physical examination after exhibiting suspicious indicators.

Inspection revealed approximately 320 grams of dried marijuana (kush) with an estimated street value of P480,000.00, as well as eight vape cartridges containing cannabis oil valued at ₱400.

The seized items and the claimant were turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition and inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended and Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the vigilance of BOC-NAIA personnel, stating, “This interception underscores the Bureau’s continued efforts to detect and prevent the entry of illegal drugs through postal and courier channels. We remain firm in safeguarding our borders and protecting the public.”

District collector  attorney Yasmin O. Mapa likewise emphasized, “Through strengthened inspection measures and close coordination with partner agencies, BOC-NAIA continues to ensure that mail facilities are not exploited for illegal drug activities.”

Mapa said the operation reinforces the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to enforce customs and anti-drug laws in support of the national government’s campaign to protect public safety.