Drug courier nabbed at NAIA: Benin man swallowed 60 capsules of shabu

MANILA, Philippines - A man from the Republic of Benin was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Friday night after he was found to be carrying at least 60 capsules of shabu.

Akilou Bassi, 30, was initially held by immigration officers who interviewed him after he failed to answer their questions properly. He was later placed under arrest by the Bureau of Immigration, the airport’s anti-drug task force and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The immigration officers became suspicious and coordinated with the NBI, according to the bureau’s Reaction and Interdiction Division chief Ross Jonathan Galicia.

“We were actually on lookout at the airport because we have information that a courier was coming to the country, but we had no idea who he was,” he said.

Bassi complained of stomach pains Saturday afternoon and was brought to a hospital for medical examination. X-ray results revealed the presence of capsules as big as a thumb inside his stomach.

Minutes later, Bassi expelled 34 capsules, which were later certified by NBI forensic chemists as shabu, with a net weight of 448 grams. At least 26 more capsules remain inside his stomach.

Bassi admitted swallowing the capsules and inserting some into his anus. He said he agreed to travel from Benin after being promised $4,000 to deliver the contraband.

Galicia said Bassi’s arrest opened up the possibility that West African drug syndicate is really operating in the Philippines.

Last month, six Africans were arrested by the NBI in separate raids in Parañaque. Galicia said the African syndicate is trying to penetrate the country “because of its big market.” He said they are trying to locate the syndicate’s local contacts.

NBI doctors are monitoring Bassi, who is expected to expel the drugs over the next few days.