AUTHORITIES arrested a 66-year-old Canadian woman, alias “Grace,” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday after discovering P164.7 million worth of shabu in her luggage, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported.
Grace had arrived from Toronto via Hong Kong when members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group flagged her based on intelligence reports.
Upon inspection, authorities found approximately 24.2 kilos of methamphetamine hydrochloride hidden in three large garbage bags.
The operation was a joint effort by PDEA-NCR, the Bureau of Customs, PNP Aviation Security Group, Airport Police, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, the NBI, and the Bureau of Immigration.
Non-drug evidence included a Canadian passport, boarding passes, and personal items. Grace was informed of her rights and now faces charges under Section 4 of Republic Act 9165.
PDEA emphasized that the operation highlights the government’s intensified efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking.