More floating shabu worth P310-M found in Cagayan

The shabu weighed 45.6 kilograms with an estimated street value of PHP310 million. (File Photo: PDEA Top Stories/Facebook)

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Fisherfolk turned over more shabu they found drifting off the coast of Claveria, Cagayan, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Monday.

The PDEA said the illegal drugs were discovered in Barangay Centro 6 in Claveria on June 15. They were packed in 50 gold tea bags labeled “Daguanyin” with markings of Chinese characters.

The shabu weighed 45.6 kilograms with an estimated street value of PHP310 million.

On June 13, one kilogram of shabu worth PHP6.8 million was recovered in waters off Sitio Narvacan, Barangay Dilam in Calayan, Cagayan during a seaborne patrol operation by local authorities.

PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said all recovered shabu packs were turned over to the Regional Office 2 (Cagayan Valley) for examination.

Fisherfolk in Zambales, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Pangasinan have recovered over 1,300 kg of shabu worth nearly PHP9 billion since June 2.

“Local fisherfolk from Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and now Cagayan, who all surrendered their shabu finds, are planting the seeds of honesty and integrity in their communities. They have done something good that inspires others to follow suit,” Nerez said.

Authorities are conducting an in-depth investigation into the origin and intended recipients of the recovered contraband. Surveillance and maritime patrols in Northern Luzon are being intensified to deter the entry of illegal drugs using the country’s coastlines.

The PDEA continues to urge citizens to report suspicious activities and be part of the country’s fight against illegal drugs.