Pasay city: A 43-year-old South African national was detained at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 after authorities discovered seven kilograms of suspected shabu valued at PHP47.6 million in his luggage. The arrest took place on Saturday night as the individual arrived on Cathay Airways Flight CX 748 from Hong Kong.

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspect, identified only as ‘Antonie,’ was intercepted at around 7:30 p.m. The Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) reported that approximately 7,000 grams of the illegal substance were confiscated from the suspect’s belongings.

The seized drugs have been handed over to the PDEA Laboratory Service for further qualitative and quantitative examination, as well as appropriate disposition. The operation was a coordinated effort with the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group, which includes the PDEG.

Antonie is now facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, a law that strictly prohibits the importation of illegal narcotics. If convicted, the suspect could face life imprisonment and a fine that could reach up to PHP10 million, dependent on the weight and classification of the drugs involved.