By: Jose Robert Inventor
PANGASINAN —Authorities are calling for a deeper investigation into the drug trade in Pangasinan on March 18, following revelations during a congressional hearing that the Port of Sual may have been used in alleged offshore drug transactions, while recovered floating drugs in coastal areas could still be circulating in the market.
The issue stems from the P9.4 billion worth of shabu discovered floating along the coasts of Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Cagayan in June 2025, with authorities still uncertain about those behind the operation.
During a North Luzon Quadrangle committee hearing on March 12, Pangasinan 1st District Representative Arthur Celeste described the situation as alarming.
“Nakakatakot na po ito… nakakabahala na po ito,” he said. (This is already frightening and alarming.)
Celeste raised concerns over reports linking the Port of Sual as a possible entry point for illegal drugs.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said it continues to monitor and gather intelligence to identify those involved.
“We keep on monitoring and gathering intelligence…” said Regional Director Julius Paderes. (…to determine those behind this illegal activity.)
Meanwhile, police in Bolinao warned that some of the recovered drugs may have been hidden and later repackaged for sale.
“Yung mga droga na nakita… tinatago pa po nila,” said PCPT. Teofilo Petalver III. (The drugs found were hidden and possibly kept for distribution.)
On March 18, a 34-year-old farmer was arrested in Bolinao after allegedly selling around P40,000 worth of shabu, believed to be part of the recovered supply.
Authorities said some individuals may have failed to surrender the illegal drugs and instead repackaged them for resale in the local market.
From January to March, at least four drug personalities have already been arrested by the Bolinao Municipal Police Station, which has intensified monitoring of coastal areas seen as possible entry points.
Officials assured the public that operations will continue to prevent further spread of illegal drugs and ensure accountability.
