Ilocos Norte intensifies coastal monitoring, recovers PHP13M shabu; urges fisherfolk to report suspicious activity

Coastal patrollers in Ilocos Norte have stepped up monitoring after a fisherman found around PHP6 million worth of shabu floating off Bubon, Burgos on Tuesday and another package containing 995.31 grams of shabu worth PHP6.7 million off Pasuquin town on Thursday.

Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) director PCOL Frederick Obar confirmed the discoveries during a press conference and noted that similar items may still be present in the waters, urging fisherfolk to report any suspicious activity immediately.

The INPPO has been working closely with the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and Maritime to monitor coastal areas and reinvigorating Barangay Information Networks (BINs) for community engagement.

Since June 24, a total of 105 kilos of shabu worth around PHP642 million have been recovered in the Ilocos Region, with ongoing investigations to trace the source of these contraband drugs.

Director PBGen. Lou Evangelista of Police Regional Office-Ilocos (PRO-1) highlighted the extensive drug threat facing the region and emphasized the importance of community involvement alongside law enforcement efforts.