Two fishermen have turned over ₱20.4 million worth of shabu found floating off the coast of Ilocos Norte.
“The retrieval operations and scouring of coastlines continue until all surrounding areas are explored. This is a testament to the strong inter-agency collaboration and cooperation among law enforcement agencies, in support of local government units and seaside communities, in protecting our waters from becoming prevailing routes of drug smuggling and trafficking activities,” said Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isagani Nerez.
“What they (concerned local folks of Ilocos Norte) did indicates that honesty still works in today’s world. Citizens who are honest and vigilant in upholding the law contribute to a safer and more just society. We need more of them. They possess one of the qualities reminiscent of a Bagong Pilipino working towards a Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
The shabu, which was packed inside three plastic bags with Chinese character markings, weighed approximately three kilos.
The bags were discovered drifting along the shorelines of Barangays Pangil in Currimao; 33-A, La Paz in Laoag City; and Masintoc in Paoay, all in Ilocos Norte.
As of June 13, a total of 1,243.12 kilos of floating shabu worth ₱8,453,216,000 have been surrendered to authorities by local residents in Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte.