By: Charles Nikko Limon
The total value of shabu recovered along the shores of the Ilocos Region has climbed to 6.8 billion pesos as authorities continue to find more floating sacks of the illegal drug.
On Thursday, June 5, seven sacks containing 173 blocks of shabu were found drifting off the western coast of Pangasinan, amounting to 1.17 billion pesos.
The next day, 22 more sacks were discovered by fishermen in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
This prompted the Philippine Coast Guard to expand its patrol operations in the area.
“We deployed two high-speed response boats for maritime patrols,” said Lt. Junior Grade Ivhanne Rillon, commander of the PCG Civil Relations Group Northwestern Luzon. “Our commandant also sent a 44-meter vessel to assist.”
By June 7, authorities and fishermen had recovered 13 more sacks containing 630 kilograms of shabu.
Meanwhile, two additional sacks were found along the shoreline of Barangays Mantanas and Dili in Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, with 34 blocks inside.
Coast Guard data show that all recovered drugs between June 5 and 7 amount to 6.8 billion pesos.
Drones are now being used to widen the search area.
Authorities believe the sacks may have drifted north due to southwest monsoon winds.
“We believe there may still be more floating sacks we haven’t found,” Rillon said. “Our maritime patrols are ongoing.”
The police have placed other coastal towns in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte on high alert in case more floating sacks appear.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III praised the prompt response of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
He also commended the vigilance and honesty of local fishermen who turned over the drugs they found.
“This is a huge success in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs,” Guico said. “We’re calling for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.”
The seized drugs have been turned over to the PDEA national headquarters for further investigation.
