By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Fisherfolk in Bataan province turned over to authorities PHP1.5 billion worth of shabu, which they discovered off the coast of Masinloc, Zambales.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said 10 fishermen discovered around 222.655 kilograms of shabu floating in the western part of the town’s waters on May 29.
The fishers turned over the contraband to PDEA at 4:05 p.m. Monday when they returned from their fishing activity.
PDEA Central Luzon director Jigger Montallana said the shabu was contained in 10 sacks holding 223 assorted vacuum-sealed transparent plastic packs.
Montallana commended the fishermen for their responsible actions and has ordered a full investigation into the origin of the drugs.
He said PDEA agents in Bataan and Zambales are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and local government units.
“The PDEA will continuously monitor all suspicious activities and remain steadfast in its commitment to eradicating drug smuggling in Central Luzon,” Montallana said.
The suspected drugs were successfully submitted to PDEA with the active participation and collaboration of operatives of PDEA Bataan Seaport Interdiction Unit, PDEA Bataan Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard, and Mariveles Police Station.
The recovered drugs will undergo forensic examination and confirmation at the PDEA Regional Office 3 laboratory. (PNA)
