MORE than P8 billion worth of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) has been recovered from the waters off Zambales, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan in recent weeks.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson and Police Regional Office 3 director Brigadier General Jean Fajardo announced in a press conference that 66 sacks containing 1.2 tons of shabu, valued at an estimated P8.83 billion, were discovered by fishermen.
The recoveries occurred between May 29 and June 9 off Masinloc, Zambales; Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur; and various coastal areas in Pangasinan.
The latest discovery was a 25-kilo sack of shabu found in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, on Monday.
"This is one of our biggest recoveries at sea," Fajardo stated.
Fajardo said the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) believe the shipment came from the Chinese-run Golden Triangle syndicate. All the recovered items had similar packaging.
"This is from one source," she explained. "It drifted because the weather was bad, and the packaging has similarities, although the sacks' appearance varies."
The PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Navy are conducting joint maritime patrols in the area to combat illegal drug trade at sea.
Fishermen from Ilocos and Pangasinan who recovered the illegal contraband received incentives from the government. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)