The Bureau of Immigration (BI) successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle over ₱10 million worth of liquid cocaine into the country, demonstrating the critical effectiveness of its digital border security platform, the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS).
The successful interdiction operation is a direct result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitalize government systems and strengthen border security against transnational crime.
The BI APIS Operations Center (APOC) was initially alerted by the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), through the BI Anti-Terrorism Group (ATG), regarding Brazilian national Elysa Cristyna Da Costa Pinheiro, who was suspected of being a drug courier.
APOC immediately included the subject in its APIS alert system for close monitoring. The system detected her arrival on October 24, 2025, via Qatar Airways Flight QR932 from Doha.
Swift and decisive coordination among the BI ATG, the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (IADITG), and Customs authorities resulted in the arrest and seizure of approximately 1.899 kilograms of liquid cocaine. The estimated street value of the confiscated illegal drugs is ₱10 million.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado commended the successful operation, citing the crucial role of early digital detection in intercepting cross-border criminal activity.
“This operation reaffirms our commitment to President Marcos’ vision of a modernized, technology-driven, and secure border management system,” Commissioner Viado said. “The APIS remains a powerful tool in our ongoing fight against international drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes, ensuring our borders remain protected.”
The Commissioner also expressed sincere gratitude for the ongoing support from the Australian Government, channeled through the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UN OCT), which continues to strengthen the Philippines’ digital border management capabilities.
