Philippine Navy seizes P10B shabu off Zambales, links to Chinese Communist Party

The Philippine Navy intercepted suspected shabu worth P10 billion off the coast of Zambales on Friday.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said that the drugs were seized from a Philippine-registered fishing vessel and had Chinese markings.

Trinidad noted the presence of several Filipino fishermen and one Chinese-Malaysian national aboard the vessel during the seizure.

The Navy official suggested that these large drug seizures could be an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party to undermine future generations of Filipinos.

In response, the Philippine Navy and Armed Forces of the Philippines are expanding their Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Cooperation efforts based on guidance from the Secretary of National Defense.

Trinidad emphasized that the shipment's packaging had markings that appeared to be Chinese in character, indicating a potential link to the Chinese Communist Party.

The military is extending its coverage all the way up to the country’s EEZ (exclusive economic zone) to address sightings of illegal drugs in Philippine waters.