P400.72 million shabu seized at NAIA complex

MANILA, Philippines — Anti-narcotics officers intercepted a shipment containing 58.93 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu valued at P400.72 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) complex in Pasay City on Monday night.

The illegal drugs, which were declared as spare parts, were seized in a warehouse at 6:30 p.m., the police Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEG) said in a report.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Melanio Lopez, 37, and Steve Caro Jr., 27, were arrested in the operation and are being held on charges of violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

An investigation revealed the shipment originated from Guinea, West Africa. The PDEG said two mobile phones and three identification cards were seized from the suspects.

The operation was the product of a joint operation of the NAIA Interagency Drug Interdiction Task Group, of which the PDEG is a member.

Meanwhile, a Turkish passenger was arrested at NAIA yesterday after P28.8 million worth of cocaine was found in his luggage.

The passenger arrived from Brazil via Dubai on an Emirates Airlines flight. Anti-narcotics officers found 3,945 grams of cocaine concealed in bath soaps and 1,500 milliliters of liquid cocaine mixed with lotions. – Rudy Santos, Robertzon Ramirez