By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday said the Chinese Drug Triad is behind the dumping of over one ton of shabu found by local fisherfolk floating in the waters of Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur.
PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez said the packaging of shabu packs contained in teabags with Chinese markings is a signature trademark associated with the triad.
“The triad gains notoriety by engaging all sorts of methods of drug smuggling, including the use of the high seas. They dump their illicit goods to be retrieved by local cohorts later. It’s a good thing that our hero fishermen got there first before the drugs fell into the wrong hands,” Nerez said in a statement.
As of June 8, the joint operatives of the PDEA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Navy (PN), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have recovered 1,013 kg. of shabu worth PHP6.89 billion.
The fisherfolk discovered the floating shabu beginning June 5 in the coastal areas of Dacap Sur, Bani; Boboy and Macaboboni, Agno; and Luciente I, Balingasay, Concordia and Poblacion, Bolinao, all located in the province of Pangasinan and Barangays Mantanaz and Dili in Sta Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
The PDEA has so far recorded a total of 39 turnover incidents facilitated by fisherfolk and concerned residents.
“The sheer volume of surrendered illegal drugs is a resounding testament to the vigilance and integrity of our coastal communities,” Nerez said.
“Our fishermen, despite the risks, chose the country over fear. They are the true heroes in this relentless fight against drug smuggling.”
The PCG and PN continue to patrol and conduct retrieval missions in nearby waters with the unwavering support of the local government units of Agno, Bani, and Bolinao of Pangasinan and Sta. Cruz of Ilocos Sur and the surrounding coastal communities.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate destruction of the recovered illegal drugs to ensure these harmful substances are removed from circulation and cannot threaten the safety of the Filipino people.
Nerez said the PDEA will pursue the key perpetrators behind this transnational crime and bring them to justice.
“We remain vigilant on all fronts – land, air, and sea to protect our communities from the scourge of Illegal Drugs,” he added. (PNA)
