A New Zealand man has been arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana as he was about to board a flight in the Philippines.
The Business Mirror reported that 27-year-old Salah Raad Abdulrazzak was caught with dried marijuana leaves during mandatory frisking at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila on Thursday.
He was allegedly found with three "marijuana sticks".
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency director general Jose S Gutierrez Jr said Abdulrazzak hid the drugs inside a cigarette pack, which he placed in his pants pocket, the Business Mirror reported.
Charges of possession of dangerous drugs are now being prepared.
According to the United States Embassy website, drug offences in the Philippines carry stiff penalties and life sentences are common.
"In drug cases where the amount found is more than 40 grams, bail may not be available. The penalty for the use or possession of 750 grams or more of marijuana is 20-40 years in prison."
