Philippine authorities discover cocaine hidden in private wharf in the south

Photo: Facebook Page of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte

DAVAO, Philippines—Philippine officials say they have discovered cocaine worth about 300 million pesos ($6.7 million) hidden in a container van in a private wharf in the south.

Davao city Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said Monday the government would seek the help of Interpol to determine where the more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of cocaine came from and where it was destined. Duterte said he believes the Philippines was being used as a transshipment point for the drugs, which could be intended for more lucrative markets in the United States or Europe.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency official Emerson Rosales said the cocaine was concealed in the ceiling of a container van which accidentally tumbled down Saturday in a Davao wharf, revealing the illicit cargo.