By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

PORT CONTRABAND SEIZED. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) intercepts a sports utility vehicle carrying 40 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP272 million at the Port of Batangas on Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 16, 2025). PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez identified the suspect as, alias “Datubon,” who was arrested at the Port of Batangas in Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)

MANILA – Authorities arrested a 30-year-old suspect at the Port of Batangas who was caught carrying 40 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP272 million, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said the suspect alias “Datubon” from Cotabato City was arrested during interdiction operation with elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) at the Port of Batangas in Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City at about 5:30 p.m Tuesday.

The contraband was placed inside transparent plastic bags and loaded in a sports utility vehicle.

“We need to protect our seaports from becoming transit and dropping points for large volumes of illegal drugs. Interdiction operations will be regularly conducted to seal off our waters from drug trafficking,” said Nerez.

He said a case for violation of Section 5 (Transportation of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 awaits the suspect.

The PDEA chief commended the other law enforcement agencies for their participation in the successful interception of the contraband. (PNA)