Shabu hidden in bibles seized at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines — A German national was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Friday, February 13, after authorities discovered over P55.3 million worth of suspected shabu concealed inside hollowed-out bibles.

In a statement on Saturday, February 14, the Bureau of Customs said the 77-year-old passenger, identified by authorities as "Peter," arrived on a connecting flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The seized contraband has an estimated value of P55,386,000.

According to the bureau, the smuggling attempt was foiled when the X-ray Inspection Project team detected "irregular images" and unusual densities within the passenger's luggage during a routine non-intrusive scan.

Upon flagging the baggage, Customs examiners conducted a 100% physical examination, which led to the discovery of:

• Two hollowed-out Bible books containing nine improvised pouches.
• White crystalline substances wrapped in multiple layers of plastic and duct tape.
• False compartments within the lining of the luggage used to hide additional stash.

The seized narcotics weighed approximately 8,145 grams. A subsequent K9 sweep and field testing by authorities yielded positive indications for shabu, confirming the high-value nature of the contraband, according to the bureau.