A Filipina was arrested after being found with more than three kilos of suspected cocaine at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Thursday night.
Based on the report of the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADTG), the woman is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which is considered one of the “red flag” countries by the authorities.
“Ito pong origin na ‘to is ito po ay isa sa ating binabantayan, meaning previously may mga instances na nakahuli tayo ng mga pasahero carrying illegal drugs po galing sa origin na ‘to,” said Gerald Javier, Deputy Task Group Commander of NAIA-IADTG.
It was seen in the image of the x-ray examination that something was placed inside the suitcase the woman was carrying. It was there that more than three kilos of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of more than P18 million was found hidden in the false lining or the bottom part of the suitcase.
As for the woman’s defense, she did not know that illegal drugs were stuffed in her suitcase and said she was only ordered to bring them home to the country.
Modus: Free vacation, money in exchange for drug delivery
“Kaya nga ako willing na ipabukas doon kina sir kanina e kasi hindi ko naman po talaga kita kung ano ‘yun. Wala naman akong idea. Nalaman ko na lang nung nabuksan,” she explained.
It was learned that the woman stayed in Bangkok, Thailand, for several weeks before visiting Ethiopia as a tourist.
He was allegedly offered a free vacation by a Filipina known on social media who said he would be paid P100,000 if such luggage was brought here.
Authorities have warned against this type of modus operandi.
“If it’s too good to be true, it’s not true. ‘Yung mga pangako po na talagang hindi kapani-paniwala po, hindi ‘yan totoo. Kung kayo po ay pangangakuan ng malaking halaga kapalit po ng pagta-travel ay mag-isip isip po tayo,” said Javier.
They will also investigate if a group is involved in this and where the confiscated illegal drugs will be dropped.
The woman will be charged with violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
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