MANILA, Philippines — A Filipina arriving from Sierra Leone was intercepted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Thursday evening for attempting to smuggle over P24 million worth of cocaine, the Bureau of Immigration Anti-Terrorist Group (BI-ATG) reported Friday.

BI-ATG head Bienvenido Castillo III identified the suspect as 29-year-old Joy Dagonano Gulmatico, who arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight at NAIA Terminal 3. 

Authorities flagged Gulmatico after monitoring her suspicious travel patterns and recommended her inspection by the NAIA Drug Interdiction Task Group (DITG).

During the inspection, Bureau of Customs (BOC) personnel found cocaine concealed within the linings of four handbags and a suitcase in her luggage. 

Laboratory tests confirmed the substance, weighing 4.574 kilograms, with an estimated street value exceeding P24 million.

Gulmatico is now under custody and faces drug trafficking charges in violation of Philippine laws. The case has been referred for inquest proceedings.

“Authorities held the subject for inquest proceedings.  Gulmatico faces charges for drug trafficking, in violation of Philippine laws,” the BI said.