P9.48B shabu haul recovered off Luzon

The total value of suspected shabu found floating off Luzon has reached over P9.48 billion, with authorities and citizens recovering 1.530 tons of the illegal substance from June 2 to 26.

A fisherman found a sack containing 24 vacuum-sealed packs of suspected shabu, marked "DAGUANYING" and weighing 24.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of P166.6 million, on a beach in Basco, Batanes.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo stated that authorities are investigating the possibility of larger shipments than the recovered amount.

The PNP is also looking into whether the origin of these floating drug packs is connected to the 1.5 tons of shabu previously intercepted in Zambales.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the inspection and incineration of nearly 3,000 kilograms of various confiscated drugs and ordered tighter coastal watch against floating drugs.