2 SOUTH AFRICANS TRYING TO SNEAK INTO PH  P97-M SHABU ARRESTED AT NAIA

AUTHORITIES thwarted the attempt of two South African nationals to smuggle into the country some P97.8 million worth of shabu following their arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City past midnight Friday.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the suspect were arrested by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at the international arrival area of Terminal 3 at about 1 a.m. Friday.

Seized from the suspects were 14 kg of shabu worth P97.8 million concealed in their baggage, along with mobile phones, travel documents, and identification cards.

During scanning at the arrival area, a Customs X-ray inspector noticed the suspicious items.

After undergoing K-9 inspection, the baggage yielded a positive indication of the presence of dangerous drugs.

A subsequent physical examination confirmed that the crystalline substance found inside the baggage was shabu.

The suspects arrived in the Philippines via Emirates Airline from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a connecting flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

According to the suspects, they were enticed by a Nigerian friend from South Africa with an all-expense-paid travel to Manila, where they were instructed to meet another Nigerian as soon as they arrive.

The seized drugs were brought to the PDEA for documentation and proper disposition.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were filed against the arrested foreigners.