Manila: Screening personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 intercepted illegal drugs from a passenger on Monday night, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the OTS reported that screeners identified a backpack containing suspected prohibited items, including lighters. Upon conducting a manual inspection, a pouch was discovered with a sachet of white crystalline substance suspected to be illegal drugs. Additional suspected drug paraphernalia were also found during the inspection.

The incident was promptly coordinated with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for further investigation and action.

In the same social media post, OTS Administrator Arthur Bisnar emphasized that the drug interception "serves as a reminder of the critical role played by OTS personnel, whose primary duty is to screen for security prohibited items, but whose vigilance often leads to incidental discoveries that help thwart criminal activities at the airport."

The Cebu-bound passenger was taken into custody by law enforcement officers and now faces charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as stated by the OTS.