PNP lauds fisherman’s discovery of cocaine off Dinagat Islands

Banac said Curada discovered the cocaine at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday but the Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) received the report on the incident Friday morning. (Pixabay file photo)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday commended a fisherman who reported to authorities his discovery of 37 blocks of cocaine floating off the waters of Cagdianao on Dinagat Islands.

“The PNP commends the good deed of the fisherman for his active participation and vigilance in making his community safe.

The recovered items of cocaine were brought to (the) Regional Crime Lab,” PNP spokesperson, Senior Supt.

Bernard Banac said in a message sent to reporters.

Reports identified the fisherman as Gonie Curada, resident of Purok 2 Barangay Poblacion in the town.

Banac said Curada discovered the cocaine at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday but the Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga) received the report on the incident Friday morning.

Based on the report, unknown substances were found drifting ashore at the said place.

Personnel of the Cagdianao municipal police responded and recovered the contraband.

In an updated report on Friday, Police Regional Office-13 Gilbert Cruz said the number of confiscated cocaine blocks from Dinagat Island is now at 48.

Meanwhile, authorities recovered another 40 blocks of cocaine in a separate operation in Siargao Island in the province of Surigao del Norte.

As of this posting, authorities estimated the value of the confiscated drugs at about PHP500 million.