Manila, Jan. 12 -- The Bureau of Customs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) intercepted packages last week that were declared as malachite stones but were found to contain suspected illegal drugs worth an estimated PHP 114,566,400.

The shipment originating from Congo was flagged during X-ray inspection after exhibiting suspicious images on Jan. 8.

Uncovered were four boxes containing suspected illegal drugs weighing 4,320 grams, 3,622 grams, 4,599 grams, and 4,307 grams, with a total weight of 16,848 grams.

The seized items and involved individuals were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The incident is a violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended, and...