ARRESTED. A 27-year-old Malaysian national, identified as Mohammad Ahtsham Bin Mohammad Afzal, is arrested for allegedly trying to slip in illegal drugs worth PHP25.3 million, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday (Oct. 12, 2023). Afzal is being investigated for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)
MANILA – A 27-year-old Malaysian national was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle illegal drugs with an estimated street value of PHP25.3 million at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
A report from the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) identified the suspect as Mohammad Ahtsham Bin Mohammad Afzal, who arrived via Ethiopian Airline Flight ET644 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and originated from Antananarivo, Madagascar via Ethiopian Airline Flight ET852.
Afzal was arrested during an “interdiction operation” conducted at the Customs International Arrival Area, NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City at about 9:20 p.m. on Thursday.
Seized from him during the operation were two improvised pouches made of packaging tape containing an estimated 3,722 grams of white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP25,309,600; a black luggage containing tape-bundled clothes; a Malaysian passport; two boarding passes with baggage tag; a customs baggage declaration form; a Malaysian national ID card; and a cellphone.
The confiscated luggage will undergo seizure and forfeiture proceedings as authorities investigate the arrested passenger for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165, or the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002, and RA 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. (PNA)
