Drug Mule Evades Arrest After NAIA X-Ray Uncovers ₱15 M Marijuana Stash

Drug Mule Evades Arrest After NAIA X-Ray Uncovers ₱15 M Marijuana Stash

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.Com | December 1, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A sophisticated drug smuggling operation was foiled at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Nov. 28 when alert customs officials detected nearly ₱15 million worth of suspected marijuana kush concealed within luggage bound for Macau.

Despite the detection, the suspected drug mule successfully boarded her connecting flight, sparking an international manhunt.

The incident unfolded when X-ray operators, conducting routine screening, flagged a green suitcase belonging to a female foreign national arriving from Bangkok, Thailand.

Discrepancies within the bag’s contents prompted immediate notification of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) and the PNP-Aviation Security Group.

A Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) K9 unit confirmed the presence of narcotics, leading to a manual inspection by Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel.

Inside, authorities discovered 18 vacuum-sealed pouches containing approximately 9,940 grams of dried leaves, identified as suspected marijuana kush, with an estimated street value of ₱14,910,000.

However, the discovery was overshadowed by the revelation that the suspect had already boarded her 7:16 PM flight to Macau, exploiting a window of opportunity to evade capture.

“This incident underscores the crucial role of our customs X-ray operators in intercepting illicit substances,” a BOC spokesperson stated. “We are actively collaborating with international law enforcement partners to apprehend the suspect and dismantle the criminal network behind this operation.”

PDEA personnel meticulously documented, photographed, and inventoried the seized contraband in the presence of media representatives and a local official.

The drugs are now in the custody of NAIA-IADITG and will be transferred to the PDEA National Office for further investigation and subsequent disposal.

The case highlights the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in securing international borders, even with advanced detection technology.

The escape of the suspect raises concerns about potential security loopholes and emphasizes the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination.