Floating shabu packs found again in Ilocos Sur waters
More floating shabu packs were discovered off the shores of Ilocos Sur, raising concerns over illegal drug trafficking. On Monday, June 9, authorities retrieved a white sack containing 25 packages floating 20 nautical miles south of Barangay Puro, Magsingal, in the West Philippine Sea. This latest find adds to the growing number of floating shabu packs found in the area.
The recovered contraband weighed 26.345 kilos and had an estimated value of P179.1 million. Among the packages, 22 bore the label “Alishan Jin Xuan Tea,” while three displayed the number “66.” A local fisherman first spotted the suspicious sack and alerted the police.
Intensified monitoring and community cooperation
Magsingal police, led by Police Lt. Richard Pajo, have stepped up coastal patrols and engaged in dialogues with residents and fishermen in Barangay Puro. These efforts aim to prevent further entry of illegal drugs into the province’s coastal areas.
This incident follows last week’s discovery of 30 floating shabu packs found by fishermen near Santa Cruz municipality, also in Ilocos Sur. That site sits 84 kilometers south of Vigan City, the provincial capital.
Wider impact of floating shabu packs found in Luzon seas
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on June 8 that the total value of floating shabu seized in the West Philippine Sea near Luzon has surpassed P8 billion in recent days. Authorities have recovered over 60 sacks containing approximately 1.2 tons of drugs from coastal waters off Pangasinan, Zambales, and Ilocos Sur.
Officials suspect that the Chinese-run Golden Triangle syndicate is behind these shipments. The packages share similar markings and are believed to have been dumped at sea due to adverse weather conditions.
Local leaders emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and community cooperation to disrupt these illegal operations. Fishermen and coastal residents are urged to report any suspicious sightings immediately.
For more news and updates on floating shabu packs found, visit Filipinokami.com.