Massive Shabu Shipments Found Floating off Luzon
Authorities have discovered over P9 billion worth of shabu floating off the coast of Luzon this June, highlighting a significant drug trafficking operation. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the total value of the seized crystal methamphetamine reached P9,320,127,600.
From June 2 to 20, local residents and enforcement agencies recovered approximately 1,370.607 kilograms (1.37 metric tons) of shabu from coastal provinces. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo confirmed these details during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Authorities Probe Origins of Floating Shabu
“We’re looking into the angle that this isn’t just the 1.3 tons because there are excesses. Normally, these are big shipments,” Fajardo explained, emphasizing ongoing investigations into the source of the drug packages.
She added that authorities are examining whether the floating shabu is connected to the group responsible for intercepting a 1.5-ton shipment recently caught off Zambales.
Recent Interceptions Highlight Drug Syndicate Activity
Last week, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) successfully seized a fishing vessel carrying shabu valued at P10 billion. Officials attributed these large-scale recoveries to international drug syndicates operating in the region.
Local residents from Barangays Pangil, Currimao; 33-A, La Paz, Laoag City; and Masintoc, Paoay also contributed by turning over shabu worth P20.4 million to authorities. Some of the recovered packages even bore Chinese characters, suggesting foreign involvement.
Community Role in Drug Recovery Efforts
Community vigilance remains crucial in the fight against drug trafficking. Reports from local leaders indicate that residents have been instrumental in locating and surrendering illegal substances, aiding law enforcement agencies in their efforts.
Fajardo stressed the importance of continued cooperation between citizens and authorities to dismantle these syndicates and prevent further drug proliferation in coastal areas.
For more news and updates on shabu shipments, visit Filipinokami.com.