Security Screening Officers (SSOs) of the Office for Transportation Security’s (OTS) swift and coordinated actions led to the interception of 1.43 kilograms of suspected illegal drugs from a departing Korean passenger who was scheduled to board AirAsia Flight Z2771 bound for Cebu at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA T2) on June 22, 2025.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon, during final security screening of passengers. SSO Jessie Boy Asio, the on-duty X-ray operator, identified suspicious items: a lighter and two liquid containers inside a passenger’s carry-on bag. He promptly alerted SSO Manuelito Barricuatro, who conducted a manual inspection and noticed a bulge in the bag’s lining.
When questioned, the passenger claimed he had recently bought the bag in Manila and was unaware of any concealed items. Checkpoint Supervisor (CPS) Baing responded to the scene and, upon securing the passenger’s consent, opened the lining of the bag, revealing a foil-wrapped pouch containing a white crystalline substance.
CPS Baing immediately notified PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP), who then coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). PDEA agents conducted a K9 inspection, which yielded a positive indication for illegal drugs. Further chemical analysis confirmed the substance as Ketamine, weighing approximately 1.43 kilograms.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar commended the SSOs for their vigilance, aligning with the directive of Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to prevent any illicit activity within transportation facilities.
The OTS said it remains steadfast in its mission to uphold national security and protect the integrity of the country’s transportation systems.
