Floating Shabu Packs Found Again in West Philippine Sea
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Floating shabu packs continue to surface along the shores of the West Philippine Sea. Early Friday morning, authorities discovered one illegal drug package in Paoay town at around 6:30 a.m. Just hours later, another pack appeared in this city, raising concerns among local officials.
At 11:30 a.m., a 28-year-old fisherman found the floating shabu in Barangay 33-A, La Paz, while collecting his fishing nets near Sabangan Beach. The fisherman immediately reported the suspicious package to the authorities, who quickly responded to the scene.
Authorities Confirm Drug Contents
Local police chief Lt. Col. Andrew P. Rabang said the recovered pack bore the same distinct markings as the one found earlier in Paoay—a durian fruit image accompanied by Chinese characters. Upon inspection, officials confirmed the package contained one kilogram of shabu, with an estimated street value of approximately P6.8 million.
“We are closely monitoring the coastline,” Rabang explained. “Authorities are conducting thorough searches along the shorelines of Laoag City to detect any other illegal drugs that might have washed ashore.”
The repeated discoveries of these floating shabu packs have alarmed both fishermen and local officials. They stress the importance of vigilance and collaboration between residents and law enforcement to prevent further drug infiltration via the sea.
Ongoing Search and Community Alert
The local government is urging residents, especially those near coastal areas, to report any suspicious items found in the water or along the beach. Meanwhile, police continue patrolling the shoreline and coordinating with maritime units to intercept any additional shipments.
These incidents highlight the persistent challenges faced in combating drug trafficking routes that exploit the vast maritime borders of the Philippines. Officials remain determined to safeguard the community from such illegal activities.
For more news and updates on floating shabu packs, visit Filipinokami.com.