South Korean arrested in Naia with shabu in hand-carry

MANILA, Philippines — A South Korean national was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1 for carrying illegal drugs, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Tuesday.

According to the DOTr in a statement, the South Korean national identified as Koh Myungso was arrested after passing an X-ray machine at Naia Terminal 1.

READ: Drug fugitive from South Korea arrested at NAIA

Office for Transportation Security (OTS) staff detected through the X-ray that Koh’s hand-carried bag had lighters inside, prompting a manual search to be conducted.

During the manual search, suspected illegal drugs and paraphernalia were then found inside his bag.

The suspected drugs were then tested using a chemical analyzer test kit, which confirmed that it was crystal methamphetamine, locally known as “shabu,” with K9 screening also yielding positive results.

The OTS then turned over the South Korean national to the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, who then turned him over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for inquest proceedings on Tuesday.

Transportation Sec. Vince Dizon, for his part, commends the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) for its swift and strict implementation of airport regulations.

“We have repeatedly warned passengers not to bring prohibited items to the airport. If you are carrying drugs, you will be even more at risk. You will end up in jail,” Dizon said in Filipino./mr