MANILA (September 11) – In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen border security and intensify the anti-drug campaign, the Bureau of Customs–Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA) intercepted 151,334 grams of suspected high-grade marijuana, commonly known as “Kush,” at NAIA Terminal 3 on September 7, 2025. The haul, valued at ₱227 million, marks the largest Kush seizure in BOC-NAIA’s history.
The contraband was discovered in six checked-in bags belonging to two Filipino passengers arriving from Bangkok, Thailand aboard Cebu Pacific Flight 53932. Routine passenger profiling led to x-ray screening of their luggage, which showed suspicious images. A 100% physical inspection revealed multiple transparent packs of suspected Kush, later confirmed by PDEA K9 units.
The two suspects were arrested for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and were informed of their legal rights. Both the seized drugs and the suspects were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for investigation and disposition.
BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the successful operation, saying, “This significant interception highlights our intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and secure our borders. The Bureau of Customs will remain vigilant and steadfast in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country.”
District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad also praised the operation, emphasizing that it reflects the importance of strict enforcement and strong inter-agency collaboration under the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
Authorities stressed that the record seizure underscores BOC-NAIA’s critical role in protecting national security and public safety, reaffirming its commitment to combat drug syndicates through proactive border enforcement.
