MANILA - Some P491 million worth of cocaine were found in six areas located in the eastern seaboard of the country this month, making Philippines a "transshipment point" of illegal drugs, a police spokesman said.
“There is a clear and present danger sa ating bansa sa pagpasok ng mga droga ng mga international drug syndicate. Kaya po tayo sa PNP, AFP at PDEA ay nagtutulong tulong na para harapin ang napakalaking hamon na ito,” police spokesman, Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said.
(We are joining hands to face this huge challenge).
On February 10, a fisherman found a block of cocaine with an estimated worth of P5.4 million floating along the shore of Barangay Sula Vinzons, Camarines Norte.
On February 11, another block of cocaine was recovered in Barangay Sabang, Vinzons, Camarines Norte.
On February 12, around 48.825 kilos of cocaine were recovered in Bgy. Cagdiano, Dinagat Islands.
On February 14, 40 kilos of cocaine worth P212 million were found in San Isidro, Surigao del Norte.
Some 989.23 grams of cocaine with an estimated worth of P5.2 million was recovered by a resident of Barangay Bagumbayan, Paracale, Camarines Norte in February 15 while another block of cocaine was recovered by a barangay tanod in the boundary of Barangays San Jose and Rosario in Mauban, Quezon three days later.
Banac said they are coordinating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency how they will destroy the seized cocaine.
The police Maritime Group has since increased security in various seaports.
Banac said they also need the cooperation of the residents to help quell international drug syndicates.
“Huwag nating hayaan na pasukin ng droga lalo na yung galing sa international drug syndicates at manufacture dito sa atin," he said.
(Don't let international syndicates use our shores).
cocaine, drugs, PNP, Philippine National Police, Camarines Norte, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte