(June 15, 2025) — Fisherfolk in Ilocos Norte turned over three packs of suspected shabu worth around P20.4 million after spotting them drifting off different coastal areas, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed on Sunday.
According to PDEA, the packs — each weighing at least three kilograms and marked with Chinese characters — were found separately along the shores of Pangil in Currimao, La Paz in Laoag City, and Masintoc in Paoay. The discovery took place on June 12 and 13.
The illegal drugs were surrendered to joint teams from the PDEA Ilocos Norte Provincial Office, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police.
“The retrieval operations and scouring of coastlines continue until all surrounding areas are explored,” said PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez in a statement.
Nerez noted that this was not an isolated case. He said that on June 10, fisherfolk in Zambales, Bataan, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan found 66 sacks containing a total of 1,297.9 kilograms of shabu, with an estimated value of PHP8.8 billion.
“This is a testament to the strong inter-agency collaboration and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, in support of local government units and seaside communities, in protecting our waters from becoming prevailing routes of drug smuggling and trafficking activities,” added Nerez.
The PDEA chief also commended the honesty of the fisherfolk who surrendered the contraband.
“Citizens who are honest and vigilant in upholding the law contribute to a safer and more just society. We need more of them,” he said.
Authorities said they will continue their search operations along coastal areas to ensure no additional illegal drugs are left floating.
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