MANILA, Philippines — Authorities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 apprehended a 43-year-old Filipina passenger who attempted to smuggle approximately P29.7 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 14, 2025, following the suspect's arrival on Air Asia Flight AK 582 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that the individual, identified by the alias 'Arlene' and a resident of Brgy.

San Francisco II, Dasmariñas, Cavite, was intercepted during a drug interdiction operation conducted by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG).

During the operation, authorities discovered 4,368 grams of shabu concealed within the passenger's luggage.

According to Atty.

Isagani Nerez, PDEA Director General, the illegal drugs were found wrapped in an improvised black duct tape pouch, obscured beneath layers of clothing, towels, a blanket, and a comforter.

The apprehended passenger is facing charges for violating Section 4, Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the illegal possession and trafficking of controlled substances.

This incident highlights ongoing efforts by Philippine authorities to combat drug trafficking, especially at key entry points such as airports.

In a related report, between June 2 and June 13, 2025, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confiscated an estimated P19.55 million worth of illegal drugs during 334 anti-drug operations conducted across the region, leading to the arrest of 452 suspects.

The Southern Police District also reported seizing P5.55 million worth of illegal substances, followed by other districts with significant confiscations.

Additionally, separate reports noted that concerned citizens and local fishermen in Ilocos Norte recently surrendered nearly P20.4 million worth of shabu, which was found floating offshore.

The retrieval operations around the provincial coast continue with the aim of locating any additional illegal drugs.

According to PDEA, a total of 1,243.12 kilograms of floating shabu, valued at approximately P8.45 billion, has been turned over to authorities in recent months by local communities in various provinces.

These incidents underscore the persistent challenge of drug trafficking and the ongoing measures being implemented by Philippine authorities to enhance border security and combat the flow of illegal drugs into the country.