BUSTED. Authorities intercept PHP67.3 million worth of shabu at the NAIA Complex on Tuesday night (Dec. 5, 2023). The PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) on Wednesday (Dec. 6) said a female claimant of the shipment was arrested. (Photo courtesy of PDEG)
MANILA – Authorities arrested a female consignee of a shipment containing PHP67.3 million worth of shabu at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday night, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) said on Wednesday.
In a report, PDEG chief Col. Dionisio Bartolome Jr. identified the suspect as Gayzel Marie Sabile, 40, a resident of Sta. Ana, Manila, who was arrested by members of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at the Pair-Pags Center inside the NAIA Complex at around 7:10 p.m.
Initial investigation showed the shipment was declared as car spare parts which yielded suspicious images after it was subjected to X-ray screening. During physical examination, authorities discovered 10kg. of shabu concealed in 10 car engine pulleys.
The shipment reportedly came from Mozambique and was transported through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia before arriving in the country.
The suspect, meanwhile, claimed that she was asked by an African man to claim the package and was unaware of the contents.
The arrested suspect and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Office for proper documentation and disposition.
Charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 (RA) or the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002 and RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act would be filed against the suspect. (PNA)
