MANILA – Two South African passengers were intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Friday for allegedly smuggling P97.8 million worth of illegal drugs.

Around 1 a.m., the X-ray operator at the international arrivals area reportedly flagged the luggage of the passengers due to suspicious items. This led the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG) to conduct further inspection.

Authorities found over 14 kilograms of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride hidden in "handbags, packs of potato chips and biscuits, compartment of a book, and improvised pouches."

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), through initial field tests, also confirmed the presence of shabu. The confiscated evidence was sent to the agency's laboratory for confirmatory testing. 

The two suspects were placed under the custody of PDEA.

They may face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

“This operation is a testament to the commitment of our task force in protecting our borders and ensuring the safety of the public,” said PBGen. Christopher Abecia, the director of Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group.