The more than 1.2 tons of shabu recovered from Luzon waters is estimated to be worth P8.8 billion, according to a statement from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday.
According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, 66 sacks of illegal drugs were confiscated from the sea off Masinloc (Zambales), Santa Cruz (Ilocos Sur), and some parts of Pangasinan. The most recent discovery was a 25 kilo sack of shabu in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.
Fajardo said that the drugs have similar packaging, which suggests that they came from a syndicate, possibly connected to the Golden Triangle syndicate. They were allegedly washed up in different locations due to bad weather.
He added that there is a need to strengthen the coastal patrol with the help of the PNP Maritime Group, the Coast Guard, and the Navy to combat drugs at sea.
As a reward, P100,000 and sacks of rice were distributed to fishermen in Bataan who were the first to discover shabu. The government is ensuring that fishermen from Ilocos and Pangasinan will also receive incentives.
