DAGUPAN, Pangasinan – Authorities and residents in Western Pangasinan recovered more packs of suspected shabu on Friday, June 6, adding to what is now a massive drug haul from the region’s coastline. The packages were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for validation, inventory, and further investigation.
The discovery came a day after local fisherfolk found and surrendered an initial batch of floating plastic-wrapped parcels believed to contain illegal drugs. The estimated value of Thursday’s find alone was pegged at nearly P1 billion, based on prevailing street prices.
The packages, some marked with Chinese characters, were reportedly recovered in the waters off the towns of Agno, Bani, and Bolinao, known fishing areas along the Lingayen Gulf. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the PDEA responded quickly to the scene following reports from residents and fishermen.
Photos released by the Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon show uniform packs wrapped in brown packaging tape, similar to those in previous high-value drug seizures in Philippine waters.
Authorities are now investigating the source and intended destination of the illicit shipment. A maritime dragnet has been launched, and patrol operations have been intensified in coastal areas of Pangasinan and nearby provinces.
The discovery is the latest in a pattern of drugs found adrift at sea, a method allegedly used by international smuggling syndicates to evade detection. In recent years, similar incidents were reported in the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, and Zambales.
“We commend the vigilance of our fisherfolk and communities who chose to report these illegal substances instead of keeping them,” PDEA Region I director Emerson Margate said in a statement.
Local officials have urged coastal barangays to remain alert and report any suspicious floating packages or sea activity. Investigators are also reviewing maritime traffic and surveillance data for leads on potential drop-off vessels.