P43-M Cocaine Haul Seized at NAIA 

Bureau of Customs officials discovered and confirmed 8.194 kg of cocaine, valued at ₱43,428,200, in a passenger’s luggage. Photo courtesy: BOC.

P43-M Cocaine Haul Seized at NAIA 

By Bing Jabadan – TheANATIONWEEK.com | January 29, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Customs officials have intercepted a cocaine shipment worth ₱43,428,200 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The shipment was detected in the checked baggage of an arriving passenger during a routine X-ray screening on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

A Bureau of Customs (BOC) report said the passenger’s luggage was flagged for inspection due to irregularities observed in the X-ray machine images.

A thorough examination conducted in the presence of the passenger revealed 8.194 kilos of a white crystalline substance concealed in the luggage.

Field testing confirmed that the substance was cocaine.

The illegal narcotics were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for laboratory analysis, proper disposal, and further investigation.

“This operation reflects the dedication of our frontliners in conducting thorough examinations and ensuring that our airports are not exploited by drug traffickers,” said Customs-NAIA District Collector Yasmin Mapa.

The passenger, who was not immediately identified pending investigation, is now facing charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, and Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno commended customs personnel for their vigilance as he highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking.

“This interception underscores the critical role of alert inspection and inter-agency coordination in preventing illegal drugs from entering the country,” Nepomuceno said.

The incident underscores the BOC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures at international gateways and prevent the Philippines from being used as a transit point for illegal narcotics.

Authorities are determining the origin and destination of the illegal drugs to identify possible accomplices.