Philippines – A 69-year-old Filipino man was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on September 17, 2026, after security officers found roughly 1.5 grams of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia hidden in his belt bag. The senior citizen was stopped at the Central Security Screening Checkpoint in the Domestic Departure area while getting ready to board a Manila-to-Davao flight.
According to a statement from the Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), the interception happened during routine screening. The case is now being handled by the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).
How the Arrest Unfolded
The bust started with a standard X-ray check that flagged suspicious images inside the passenger’s belt bag. Officers then conducted a manual inspection and uncovered a heat-sealed plastic container holding a white crystalline substance, along with items believed to be drug paraphernalia.
Here’s how authorities confirmed the find:
- PDEA validation: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency examined the seized items on site.
- K9 inspection: A trained sniffer dog signaled the possible presence of dangerous drugs.
- Field test: A Rigaku Raman spectrometer returned a positive reading for methamphetamine hydrochloride.
After the results came back, officers placed the man under arrest, read him his constitutional rights, and informed him of the offense.
Charges and Custody
The suspect and the confiscated evidence were turned over to the NAIA-IADITG Operations Center for documentation. He now faces charges under Sections 5 and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
- Section 5 covers the sale, trading, and delivery of dangerous drugs.
- Section 12 covers possession of equipment and paraphernalia used for drug use.
Airport Security Speaks
AVSEGROUP Director PBGEN Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr. reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to keeping airports safe.
“Nananatiling matatag ang AVSEGROUP sa pagpapanatili ng ligtas at secure na mga paliparan sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagbabantay, masusing seguridad, at mahigpit na pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga katuwang na ahensya,” he said.
What This Means for Travelers
For Filipinos flying home or heading out, this case is a clear reminder that airport screening applies to everyone, regardless of age. Domestic checkpoints use the same layered tools as international gates, from X-ray machines to K9 units and chemical field tests.
If you’re traveling soon, double-check your bags and know what you’re carrying. A single item can turn a routine flight into a serious legal problem.