The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Sunday confirmed that the Chinese Drug Triad was behind the dumping of over one ton of shabu retrieved by fishermen off Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur.
“Based on the packaging of shabu packs recovered, they were contained in teabags with Chinese markings — a signature trademark associated with the Chinese Drug Triad,” PDEA director general Isagani Nerez said.
“The triad gains notoriety by engaging in all sorts of methods of drug smuggling, including the use of the high seas. They dump their illicit goods to be retrieved by local cohorts later. It’s a good thing that our hero fishermen got there first before the drugs fell into the wrong hands,” he added.
In a statement, the PDEA said as of 4 p.m. on June 8, joint operatives of the PDEA, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Navy and the National Bureau of Investigation had recovered 1,013 kilos of shabu estimated at P6.888 billion.
The illegal drugs were discovered beginning June 5 off the coastal areas of barangays Dacap Sur in Bani; Boboy and Macaboboni in Agno; and Luciente I, Balingasay, Concordia and Poblacion in Bolinao, all located in Pangasinan; and barangays Mantanazan and Dili in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
A total of 39 turnover incidents were recorded, facilitated by fishermen and villagers.
The latest count included the contributions of 52 fishermen with operational leadership and assistance from a policeman and a PCG personnel under the One Law Enforcement Action (OLEA) initiative.
“The sheer volume of surrendered illegal drugs is a resounding testament to the vigilance and integrity of our coastal communities,” Nerez noted.
“Our fishermen, despite the risks, chose the country over fear. They are the true heroes in this relentless fight against drug smuggling,” he added.
