SEVERAL sacks of substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) were fished out off Zambales on Monday, June 2, 2025.
In a statement, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said 10 Bataan fishermen discovered the sacks containing vacuum-sealed transparent plastic sacks of illegal contraband floating in the western part of the Masinloc seas on Thursday, May 29.
They immediately turned over the illegal drugs to authorities on June 2, upon their return from fishing activity.
The discovered shabu weighs approximately 222,655 kilograms with an estimated street value of P1.5 billion.
PDEA agents in Bataan and Zambales are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and local government units for the conduct of investigation against those responsible for the illegal shipment.
"The PDEA will continuously monitor all suspicious activities and remain steadfast in its commitment to eradicating drug smuggling in Central Luzon," PDEA Regional Director Jigger Montallana said. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)