Paluan: The Philippine Army announced the recovery of 43 sacks of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, weighing approximately 876 kilograms and valued at an estimated PHP5.95 billion. The illegal substance was found in a twin speedboat that had run aground in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.
According to Philippines News Agency, Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, reported that soldiers from the 76th Infantry Battalion were alerted to the incident around 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The alert came from Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit and military personnel based in Pinagbayanan, who had received information from a concerned citizen about the grounded speedboat in Sitio Agbalite, Barangay Harrison.
Upon arrival, troops observed two individuals fleeing the scene. "We didn't get to see how they looked like since they ran away. Maybe, they were the ones operating the speedboat. They probably got into an accident because the speedboat was already grounded when we arrived," Zagala explained. The two men, identified as Chinese nationals, were later apprehended in the same town while attempting to secure another boat for their escape.
In addition to the 43 sacks of suspected shabu, authorities recovered a Starlink communication device, eight hand flares, three fire extinguishers, four batteries, two life jackets, and two lifebuoys from the speedboat. While initial assessments suggest the substance is shabu, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will conduct a confirmatory examination.
Zagala noted that the suspected illegal drugs are being transported to Abra de Ilog and then to the 76th Infantry Battalion headquarters for transfer to the PNP. Furthermore, in a statement on Thursday, Zagala emphasized the significance of vigilance and inter-agency cooperation in combating transnational crimes that pose threats to communities.
Continuing search operations in the vicinity led to the discovery of 30 additional packs of suspected shabu, each weighing around one kilogram. These newly found packs are believed to be part of the same smuggling attempt, potentially increasing the total volume and value of illegal drugs seized in the operation.