PNP probes foreign drug links in P19-M marijuana haul in WPS

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, Philippine News Agency

A series of recoveries last June also yielded PHP8.8 billion worth of illegal drugs found packed in floating parcels in the waters off Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region. (Pexels photo)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is working with international counterparts to look into the potential link between foreign drug personalities possibly operating in the Philippines and the recent marijuana haul in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement Sunday night, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the force, along with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and other foreign counterparts to trace the source of the confiscated narcotics and identify those behind the operation.

“Lalo nating pinagtitibay ang koordinasyon sa Interpol upang matukoy kung sino ang nasa likod nito. We are strengthening our intelligence exchange to track foreign drug personalities who may be operating in or targeting the Philippines. Kailangan natin ng tulong ng ibang ahensya dahil malawak ang ating binabantayan (We are strengthening our intelligence exchange to track foreign drug personalities who may be operating in or targeting the Philippines. We need the help of other agencies because we are monitoring a wide range of areas),” he said.

He said the PNP, the local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency would work with coastal communities through meetings and information campaigns aimed at preventing illegal drugs from entering the country through maritime routes.

The PNP, PDEA and the Philippine Navy recovered on Oct. 20 a cache of high-grade marijuana worth approximately PHP19.2 million off the coast of Palawan.

A series of recoveries last June also yielded PHP8.8 billion worth of illegal drugs found packed in floating parcels in the waters off Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region.