A 24.4 kilos of assorted pieces of gold jewelry were discovered by airport authorities from a Philippine Airlines flight from Hong Kong
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) foiled a smuggling attempt of 24.4 kilos of assorted pieces of gold jewelry which were found inside aircraft's lavatory.
Customs authorities at the Ninoy Aquino International Aiport (NAIA) said the pieces of jewelry were initially discovered during the boarding formalities conducted by Customs Boarding Inspector from the Aircraft Operations Division.
Port of NAIA Collector Carmelita M. Talusan on Friday said she has already ordered a thorough investigation and identify "the persons responsible for this smuggling attempt."
A Customs examiner inspects the jewelry found inside a Philippine Airlines plane lavatory (BoC-NAIA photo)
The gold jewelry were discovered from a Philippine Airlines flight PR301 from Hong Kong on November 17 after it arrived at 2:28p.m. The value, the BoC said, was estimated to be around P80 million.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna today said the airline is "cooperating with authorities conducting investigation."
She said PAL Security Department immediately reported the incident to the PNP Aviation Security Group based at the NAIA Terminal 2.
"Upon discovery, the PNP endorsed the items to the Bureau of Customs. PAL continues to cooperate with the PNP and the BoC to ensure an orderly and thorough probe," Villaluna added.
She said that the carrier is unable to issue any further statement on the issue, pending the completion of investigations of the authorities. "Rest assured, the investigation is underway to ferret out the truth behind this incident."
Tags: #goldjewelry, #customsboardinginspector, #smugglingattempt, #foundinsideplanelavatory