Manila: A South African national was arrested after he was found in possession of about PHP40.8 million worth of illegal drugs at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 over the weekend. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking through the country's major airports.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) released a statement on Monday identifying the suspect only as "JD." The 30-year-old man arrived from Johannesburg via Hong Kong at around 10:50 a.m. on Sunday. The PDEA's timely intervention led to the recovery of approximately 6,000 grams of shabu, along with non-drug items such as travel documents, identification cards, mobile phones, personal belongings, and foreign currency.

The PDEA reported that the seized evidence has been turned over to its laboratory service for examination and proper disposition. The agency's swift action underscores its commitment to tackling drug-related offenses and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

The South African national is set to face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in combatting drug smuggling and the importance of vigilance at international entry points.