THE Philippine Navy intercepted a vessel carrying at least P10 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, off the coast of Zambales.
In a statement, Philippine Navy spokesperson Captain John Alcos said personnel from the Northern Luzon Naval Command spotted the vessel around 1:30 a.m. on June 20.
The unit immediately coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for the seizure of the illegal contraband, which weighed 1.5 tons.
The confiscated illegal substance was brought to the Naval Operating Base in Subic for documentation and turnover to proper authorities.
“This is one of the largest illegal drug apprehensions in the history of the Philippine Navy in support of the National Government’s campaign against prohibited substances,” the Navy said.
In recent weeks, P8 billion worth of shabu was recovered by local fishermen in separate incidents in the waters off Zambales, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan.
On Monday, another P104 million worth of shabu was also fished out in the waters off Cagayan.
The illegal drugs were found inside sacks and vacuum-sealed plastic containers.
The Philippine National Police and the PDEA earlier expressed belief that the shipment originated from the Chinese-run Golden Triangle syndicate, as all the items shared similar packaging. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)