LOCAL fishermen have once again recovered approximately P1.7 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in the waters off Pangasinan.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said fishermen from Barangay Balingasay, Agno, Pangasinan first recovered two sacks containing suspected shabu packed in a vacuum-sealed plastic around 32 nautical miles west of Agno town.
The fishermen later found four more sacks of suspected illegal contraband in the waters off Barangay Guiguiwanen, Bolinao; at Cabana Resort in Bani; and in Sabangan Boboy, Agno — all in the province of Pangasinan.
After their fishing activities, the fishermen turned over the illegal drugs to the PCG, which sought for the assistance of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Following the seizures, Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon Commander, Captain Mark Larsen Mariano, directed all PCG stations and substations to intensify coastal security patrols and increase community engagement with local fisherfolk to improve maritime surveillance and ensure prompt reporting of similar incidents.
“The PCG encourages local fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to report any suspicious floating packages or activities to the nearest Coast Guard station for appropriate action,” the PCG said.
On June 2, fishermen also found P1.5 billion worth of suspected shabu in the waters off Zambales.
It is also contained in vacuum-sealed plastics placed inside sacks. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)