COCAINE IN SUITCASE

Indon arrested at airport

Over a kilogram of cocaine worth

₱9 million was found in a suitcase of an Indonesian passenger arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Qatar Wednesday.

Customs agents intercepted the contraband when passenger Agus Burhan’s suitcase was put on hold after it was detected through x-ray examination.

It was then subjected to 100-percent physical examination, leading to the discovery of a total of 1.65 kilograms of cocaine in the secret compartment of the luggage.

Upon further examination, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed that the contraband was indeed cocaine. It was immediately turned over to agency on the same day.

According to the Customs bureau, the Indonesian passenger arrived in the country via Qatar Airways flight QR932 from Doha at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

PDEA operatives said Burhan, 62, claimed that he came to the Philippines through some “sponsors” and that his luggage was changed and was told it contained “souvenirs”.

The agency noted that Burhan was supposed to meet the sponsors at a hotel in the country wherein he would receive money in exchange for the bag.

The Bureau of Customs said that Burhan may face serious drug charges as the importation of illicit drugs is a violation of RA 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act and RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (with report from Chito Chavez)