By CESAR JOLITO III

Airport security personnel intercepted a 25-year-old man after he was found in possession of alleged drug paraphernalia during routine screening at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport early yesterday morning.

The suspect was identified as Isagani Ortula, a resident of Barangay Bagtik in Negros Occidental’s Silay City.

Police Major Manuel Refuerzo, officer-in-charge of the Bacolod-Silay International Airport Police, said Ortula was flagged during a walk-through scanner inspection at around 6:00 a.m.

Authorities later discovered the alleged drug paraphernalia concealed inside a chewing gum container among his belongings.

Refuerzo said the suspect was allegedly en route to Manila to return to work after spending time in Silay City to celebrate his child’s birthday.

Ortula is currently under the custody of airport police while authorities are preparing appropriate charges for filing in court.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the incident is linked to any wider drug-related activities./CJ, WDJ