BOC uses profiling, x-rays to foil contraband attempts
THE efficient profiling of passengers and x-ray image analysis led to the apprehension of a South African national carrying P42.1-million worth of suspected shabu aboard a flight that arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Saturday, Oct. 12.
The bureau’s prompt action upon dubious x-ray imaging result led to the apprehension of South African national Phillip Theunissen who arrived aboard flight ET 644 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio commended the agency’s team at NAIA for the successful detection of the illegal drugs, which weighed 6.2 kilos.
“Many transnational syndicates and organizations continue to use our ports as corridors to smuggle illegal drugs and disseminate them from Metro Manila to far-flung provinces. With many others, our agents were hard at work in disrupting these criminal networks,” the commissioner said.
BOC-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) Director Verne Enciso detailed how the apprehension took place.
“Our agents immediately became suspicious with the check-in luggage because of the x-ray imaging results. It was marked “x” as it underwent K-9 sweeping that also resulted in positive indications,” he said.
“The subjected luggage was then physically examined and our agents found white crystalline substance that allegedly looked like methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu. The substance was hidden under the passenger’s suitcase,” Director Enciso added.
Theunissen was immediately detained as investigation into this latest apprehension of illegal drugs at NAIA commences.
Intelligence Group Deputy Commissioner Juvymax Uy assured that the agency will work double time to investigate this latest operation and prosecute those who are behind the scheme.
He also underscored the importance of a well-coordinated response to any attempts by individuals and criminal organizations to circumvent the country’s laws and risk the lives of Filipinos, especially the youth.
“With President Marcos ordering the crackdown on illegal drugs smuggling in the country, we are working with all relevant agencies to put these people behind bars. We will remain vigilant and ensure that our borders are not being compromised. Protecting our people, our communities remain our primary goal,” Uy said.
