MANILA — Authorities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 apprehended a 77-year-old German national, identified only as “Peter,” after over P55.3 million worth of suspected shabu was found concealed inside hollowed-out Bibles.

The passenger arrived on a connecting flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Friday, February 13.

According to the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the contraband, estimated at P55,386,000, was discovered after the X-ray Inspection Project (XIP) team detected “irregular images” and unusual densities in the passenger’s luggage during a routine non-intrusive scan.

A 100% physical examination revealed:

• Two hollowed-out Bibles containing nine improvised pouches.
• White crystalline substances wrapped in multiple layers of plastic and duct tape.
• False compartments within the luggage lining hiding additional contraband.

The seized narcotics weighed approximately 8,145 grams. A subsequent K9 sweep and field testing confirmed the substance as shabu.

The BOC said the operation foiled a high-value smuggling attempt and highlighted the effectiveness of its routine inspections and detection protocols.