10.7 Kilos of Shabu Found in Abandoned Luggage at NAIA

OPERATIVES from the Bureau of Customs (BOC-NAIA) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 uncovered 10,706 grams (10.7 kilos) of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, in abandoned luggage.

The drugs, estimated to be worth ₱72.8 million, were examined and confirmed by chemists from the BOC and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to NAIA Customs District Collector Atty. Yasmin Mapa, the luggage was left on a carousel on September 28, 2024, and was transferred to the Customs Interline Baggage Room for safekeeping. Upon further investigation, the luggage was identified as belonging to Michel Septon, a Belgian national who arrived via Qatar Airways flight QR 928 from Johannesburg, South Africa, with a layover in Doha, Qatar.

Despite ample time given to claim the luggage, no one came forward. Customs personnel scanned the baggage on Monday and conducted a physical examination, revealing 10.7 kilos of shabu wrapped in yellow and black plastic.

Customs assistant deputy collector for Passenger Services, Mark Almase, and his team have coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration to determine if Septon remains in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the seized drugs were turned over to PDEA for appropriate handling and the filing of charges.

This discovery highlights the ongoing vigilance of Customs and law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking at Philippine ports.