2 South Africans nabbed at NAIA for illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — Two South African passengers were arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 for carrying over 14 kilos of shabu, valued at P97.9 million, on Thursday.

Mark Almase, NAIA customs assistant deputy collector for passenger services, said South Africans Ondine Louise, 44, and John Edward, 73, were held after an X-ray inspection employee saw suspicious images on their luggage.

On further examination, the security officers found illegal drugs wrapped in foil and black tape inside a box of biscuits and books that were tucked in a hidden compartment.

Almase said the illegal drugs were submitted to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for secondary laboratory testing as legal procedures are readied against Louise and Edward, who flew to the Philippines via Dubai.