One Kilogram Floating Shabu Found in West Philippine Sea
CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte – A local tourist spotted a pack of floating shabu weighing one kilogram, valued at P6.8 million, in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday, June 12. Authorities quickly responded to the discovery, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in the ongoing battle against illegal drugs.
Police Brig. Gen. Lou F. Evangelista, director of the Police Regional Office-1, confirmed the drug package was found lodged in a sea rock formation at Barangay Pangil. The contraband was wrapped in clear plastic and secured with packing tape, bearing an image of a durian fruit along with distinct Chinese characters.
Immediate Police and PDEA Action
The find was promptly reported to local police who coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Ilocos Norte for an on-site inventory and initial testing. Barangay officials and media representatives witnessed the tests, which confirmed the substance as shabu.
The confiscated drugs are now under the custody of PDEA-Ilocos Norte for thorough forensic examination and detailed inventory. These steps will support the ongoing investigation into the shipment’s origins and intended recipients.
“This successful operation highlights the vigilance of both authorities and the public,” Evangelista said. “It underscores the vital role of community cooperation in fighting illegal drugs.”
Pattern of Floating Shabu in Regional Waters
Evangelista noted a disturbing trend: floating shabu packages have been recovered in regional waters, now extending to Ilocos Norte after similar finds in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur. “We are intensifying our intelligence efforts alongside PDEA to identify and apprehend those responsible for these smuggling attempts,” he explained.
Between June 5 and 10, communities in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur reported the recovery of 1,039 kilograms of floating shabu valued at P7 billion. Fifty-one sacks were retrieved along the coastlines, with 48 sacks found in Agno, Bani, and Bolinao in Pangasinan. Meanwhile, two sacks and a plastic bag were turned over in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, and another sack was recovered in Magsingal.
“The swift action and sharp eyes of our fisherfolk communities were crucial to this major recovery,” Evangelista added. “Their immediate reporting and cooperation show the power of strong police-community partnerships. When we work together, we achieve meaningful results in protecting our communities.”
Strengthening Maritime and Community Defense
The PDEA-Region 1 pledged to expedite the destruction of seized drugs following directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who emphasized safeguarding Filipinos from narcotics. Law enforcement and maritime agencies continue to boost intelligence sharing and community engagement to protect Philippine waters from drug trafficking.
Evangelista urged citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activities immediately. “Cooperation from the public is vital to our collective security,” he said.
International Syndicate Behind the Drug Dumping
Authorities revealed that the international crime syndicate “Sam Gor” is primarily responsible for dumping more than one ton of shabu in the West Philippine Sea. This syndicate operates across the Asia-Pacific, controlling an estimated 40 to 70 percent of the regional drug market and generating profits exceeding $17 billion annually.
Apart from methamphetamine, Sam Gor traffics large amounts of heroin, ketamine, synthetic drugs, and precursor chemicals. PDEA chief Undersecretary Isagani Nerez linked the packaging of the recovered contraband directly to this syndicate.
For more news and updates on drug trafficking, visit Filipinokami.com.