OVER P200 million worth of cocaine was recovered in the waters of Gubat town in Sorsogon, the latest in a series of floating cocaine hauls off the country’s east coast.
A report from the Bicol Region Police Office said three fishermen recovered 12 boxes of cocaine while fishing in the vicinity of Barangay Bagacay around 12 noon on Monday, May 27, 2019.
The fishermen were identified as Melvin Gregorio, Lobert Ergina and John Mark Nabong. They immediately reported and turned over the contraband to the Gubat police office.
According to the Crime Laboratory, the seized cocaine weighed a total of 39 kilos and have an estimated street value of P218.4 million.
“The recovery of the items with help of the members of the community is once again a reaffirmation of the solid partnership of the police and the public. PNP Bicol vows to continue doing its part to ward-off any illegal activities and ensure the safety and welfare of the people it serves and protect,” Bicol Regional Office Director Arnel Escobal said.
Since February 10, the Philippine National Police said over 100 kilograms of cocaine have been recovered in the waters off the country's eastern seaboard, particularly in the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur in Luzon, down to the Dinagat group of islands in Caraga region, Davao Oriental, Surigao Del Norte, and Surigao Del Sur in Mindanao.
Earlier, PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said the hundred millions of pesos worth of cocaine recovered in the country seem to be intended for Australia. (SunStar Philippines)