(Bullit Marquez/Associated Press)MANILA, Philippines — Philippine authorities said they arrested an Indonesian woman who was carrying 54 million pesos ($1 million) worth of illegal drugs in her carry-on bag from her flight from Cambodia on Monday, amid a crackdown on drug smuggling attempts. She wept and covered her face in front of TV cameras, telling officials the bag was not hers. “The suspect says it was given for her to carry, but that is always their story,” Bureau of Customs official Lourdes Mangaoang said at a news conference where the seized drugs and Alexandra were presented. Airport authorities have tightened the screening of cargo and baggage due to what they say were attempts by drug syndicates to smuggle in illegal drugs through regular ports of entry. Last month, Manila airport officials seized a bag and a backpack with methamphetamine that were abandoned at the airport’s arrival area.

Source: Washington Post October 07, 2019 07:30 UTC