Suspect flees leaving P277.5M shabu in Northern Samar

Authorities in Northern Samar are conducting a manhunt for a suspected drug courier who fled after his vehicle, containing 37 kilograms of shabu worth P277.5 million, was flagged down.

The suspect, identified as Sander from Iligan City, was stopped on Maharlika Highway in Allen, Northern Samar for traffic violations, including not wearing a seat belt.

He provided a sales invoice but failed to produce an official receipt or certificate of registration for the vehicle, a Toyota Yaris Cross with no license plates.

The suspect became nervous and fled on foot into a mountainous area, abandoning the vehicle and his cellphone.

The abandoned SUV contained 37 packs of suspected shabu with Chinese markings.

The operation was a joint effort by the Northern Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team, Regional Intelligence Division, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.