P952-M shabu found in Pangasinan coasts

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan — Fisherfolk on Thursday turned over to the authorities packs of shabu with an estimated market value of around P952 million recovered on the coasts of some parts of western Pangasinan.

Based on the report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Pangasinan provincial office, the packs of suspected shabu were simultaneously recovered by fishermen on the coasts of Bolinao, Agno, and Bani towns.

ILLEGAL DRUGS ON THE SEA An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard check the packs of suspected shabu worth P952 million, which were found floating on the coast of Pangasinan on June 5, 2025, while police officers assist them in the process. PHOTO COURTESY OF COAST GUARD NORTHWESTERN LUZON FACEBOOK PAGE

Some 50 kilograms (kg) of suspected shabu was turned over in Barangay Balingasay Bolinao town to the authorities in coordination with the local government unit (LGU).

The fisherfolk discovered two white sacks floating in the sea, which turned out to be containing 50 vacuum-sealed packs with suspected illegal drugs inside worth around P340 million, according to PDEA.

Another two white sacks were seen floating on the coast of Barangay Balingasay Bolinao town on the same day.

The sacks contain a total of 42 vacuum-sealed packs containing suspected shabu with a combined weight of 42 kg, worth P285.6 million, and one empty pack.

In Barangay Boboy Agno town, three fishers discovered and turned over to the authorities two white sacks with 21 vacuum-sealed packs of suspected shabu weighing 23 kg, worth P156.4 million, and two almost empty packs.

In Barangay Olanen Bani town, another fisherfolk turned over to the authorities 24 vacuum-sealed packs of suspected shabu weighing 25 kg. worth P170 million.

PDEA Pangasinan provincial officer Rechie Camacho, in an interview on Friday, said some of the recovered substances have already tested positive as shabu while the others are still undergoing testing.

Camacho said PDEA and other law enforcement agencies are still investigating thoroughly the source of these floating illegal drugs.

He appealed to the fisherfolk and the public to immediately report and turn over to the authorities any suspicious shipments they would recover in the ocean or shores.

"Do not have second thoughts in surrendering floating objects like these and there will be a reward from PDEA and other agencies to those who will surrender items as these," Camacho said.

Camacho said they are still verifying the shipment connection to those discovered in Bataan.