Security personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 intercepted a suspected shipment of shabu during routine passenger screening on Thursday, September 17, 2026, according to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS).
The suspected illegal drugs were discovered as a passenger bound for Davao via Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 953 underwent standard security screening.
OTS Security Screening Officers noticed suspicious images resembling prohibited items on the baggage X-ray monitor. A manual inspection was then conducted to verify the contents.
During the inspection, a baggage inspector found a pouch containing a white crystalline substance. The discovery was immediately reported to the checkpoint supervisor, who requested assistance from Philippine National Police personnel assigned to the airport.
The PNP subsequently coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), whose officers conducted a K9 inspection and testing of the substance.
The substance tested positive for methamphetamine, commonly known as shabu, a dangerous drug prohibited under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The OTS documented the incident and turned over the passenger and the confiscated evidence to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation and disposition.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Gilberto DC Cruz said the incident highlights the importance of coordination between airport security personnel and law enforcement agencies when prohibited items are detected during screening.
He added that the OTS remains focused on its primary mandate of protecting aviation security while responding to other unlawful activities uncovered during airport screening.