Japanese woman nabbed at NAIA for smuggling shabu

A Japanese wo-man was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA-2) in Pasay City Sunday for allegedly trying to smuggle half a kilo of methamphetamine hydrochloride out of the country.

Authorities intercepted Hitomi Hasegawa, 50, before she could board a Philippine Airlines flight to Fukuoka. Frisker Merlita Iglesias found four sachets of shabu, weighing a total of 473.8 grams, taped to Hasegawa’s groin. The shabu has an estimated street value of P1.47 million.

Hasegawa was brought to the 1st Police Center for Aviation Security office at NAIA. She said she met a certain “Alex” two days before her flight, and he asked her to bring the shabu to Fukuoka, where a man would meet her and pay her accordingly.

Hasegawa, an unemployed native of Aki-Gun in Japan, was brought to the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) airport interdiction team under the direct supervision of Senior Superintendent Benjamin Magalong.

The evidence was turned over to the agency’s Laboratory Service for analysis and proper custody.

Hasegawa was charged with transporting dangerous drugs.

Prosecutors have recommended no bail for her. If convicted, she faces a life sentence and a fine of up to P10 million.