December 16, 2025, 2:27 p.mDecember 16, 2025, 2:27 p.m
In September, a Swiss woman was arrested at the airport in Manila, the Philippines. The reason for her arrest was that she had smuggled six kilograms of the drug methamphetamine.
The Swiss woman died on December 6th.Image: Bureau of Customs PH
The Swiss woman has now died in custody in the Philippines, according to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA). “Nau.ch” confirmed.
Their journey was from Abu Dhabi to Manila. The Swiss woman was noticed by customs officials during a routine check in the fall, and they examined her luggage more closely. The Swiss woman had hidden six kilograms of meth there.
The drugs were hidden in the side of the Swiss woman’s luggage. Image: Bureau of Customs PH
The woman was then arrested for drug smuggling. The value of the drugs found was around half a million Swiss francs. She faced a prison sentence of up to 40 years.
It is still unclear why the Swiss woman died in custody in the Philippines.
Prisons in the Philippines
Several reports from human rights organizations show a major problem of overcrowding in Philippine prisons.
According to these reports, 127,031 people were in prison at the end of 2024. The maximum capacity of the prisons is 47,000 people. Many of the cells lack adequate ventilation, clean water and medical care. (nib)
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