Government agents have arrested a Salvadorian tourist who reportedly attempted to smuggle into the country an estimated P16.5 million worth of cocaine through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The suspected drug mule was identified as Franco Quintanilla Domingo, from El Salvador who arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 on Monday via Qatar Airways flight QR 932 from Doha.
Customs X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) personnel put an X marking after seeing suspicious images at the suspect’s backpack. The examiners immediacy placed the bag under physical examination, resulting in the discovery of at least three kilos of cocaine with a street value of P16.5 million.
The arrest resulted from an intelligence information received by the Bureau of Customs (BOC from the Department of Homeland Security in El Salvador.
“This is to coordinate with your good office the arrival of suspicious traveler identified as – Domingo, Franco Quintanilla – (Date of Birth: November 20, 1977) and (Passport No. A02333631) was in Brazil and left a couple of weeks ago and is expected to arrive in Manila today via OR932 DOHA-MNL). HSI Manila would like to provide information related to this suspicious traveler to act on as your agency deems necessary. Please let us know of the development, if any regarding her travel,” the ti-off stated.
“After we received this information from the Homeland Security, immediately we are on the lookout for this person and his luggage,” a Customs agent told Manila Standard.
The foreigner is now in police custody and will be charged with violating Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Drug Act, and RA 10863, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office.
Airport authorities have heightened vigilance in the campaign against illegal drug trafficking in a bid to discourage international drug syndicates from using the Philippines as a transshipment point for illegal substance.
Customs officials said their campaign against the drug trade full supports Commissioner Bien Rubio’s border control initiatives.
Two months ago, a Turkish national was also caught with a luggage loaded with cocaine worth more than P28.8 million at the airport. The suspect Kemal Ozenir brought in the luggage from Dubai via Emirates Airlines flight EK332
In October, Customs agents also arrested a Norwegian tourist for bringing in a shipment of eight kilos of shabu worth P56.7 million.