By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
DAGUPAN CITY – More packs of suspected shabu were found floating in the West Philippine Sea in Pangasinan, authorities said on Saturday, June 7.
Twenty-one additional packs of shabu were discovered and turned over by fishermen, bringing the total to 28, days after seven packs valued at P1.17 billion were recovered in the coastal waters of this province.
Authorities have yet to disclose the value of the fresh contraband but these could also be worth billions of pesos.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), with Coast Guard Pangasinan and sub-station Bolinao, coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other supporting units in the recovery of the illegal drug.
PCG maritime patrols ensured the safe turnover of the contraband.
Authorities were elated over the vigilance and cooperation of the local fishing community.
Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon commander Capt. Mark Larsen Mariano said that heightened coastal security patrols (CSP) and community engagement initiatives are ongoing to empower coastal residents to identify and report suspicious activities at sea.
Residents and fishermen were reminded that possession or tampering with suspicious packages could lead to criminal charges and any discovery of such items should be immediately reported to the nearest Coast Guard station.
Investigation are ongoing to determine the source and intended recipients of the recovered illegal drugs.
