Manila: The Philippine National Police, through its Aviation Security Group (PNP AVSEGROUP), last week seized PHP133 million worth of illegal drugs in separate operations at major airport entry points.
According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 19,569 grams of suspected shabu were confiscated at the PAIR-PAGSS Cargo Import Warehouse on February 11, and at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3's International Arrival Area on February 13 and 15. In these operations, two foreigners-a German and a South African-were arrested separately.
Further, the PNP reported that from February 9 to 16, authorities addressed 224 taxi violations under Republic Act 4136 and two under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, arrested two wanted individuals, and implemented additional security measures across the NAIA complex.
"These operations show that criminal elements have no safe harbor in our airports," stated PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. "We will continue to enforce the law without compromise."
In a related development, police in Taguig City seized PHP1,020,000 worth of shabu and arrested two suspects during a raid in Barangay Sta. Ana on Tuesday.
Taguig City Police Station (TCPS) chief Col. Julius A±onuevo mentioned in a statement that the two suspects are newly identified "high-value targets" within the district. They will face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation was a collaborative effort between the Southern Police District (SPD) Drug Enforcement Unit and Taguig City Police. SPD chief Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo remarked, "This million-peso haul serves as a stern warning to those attempting to establish new drug networks in our jurisdiction."
