Navy seizes P10-B shabu haul off Zambales coast

The Philippine Navy announced the seizure of some 1.5 tons of suspected shabu – believed to be worth P10 billion – off the coast of Zambales early yesterday morning.

- MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

There is no information yet if arrests have been made, but according to the Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLVC), the boat caught transporting the illegal substance, also known as methamphetamine hydrochloride, had one foreign national and at least four Filipino fishermen on board.

Navy spokesman Capt. John Percie Alcos said the case build-up and successful operation were conducted in cooperation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Citing initial information, Alcos said the Philippine Navy, through the NLVC, seized the suspected shabu shipment being transported by a fishing vessel at around 1:30 a.m.

"The apprehended illegal substance is currently on its way to Naval Operating Base-Subic for documentation and turnover to proper authorities," the spokesman said.

"This is one of the largest illegal drug apprehensions in the history of the Philippine Navy in support of the national government's campaign against prohibited substances," he noted.

Alcos said the Philippine Navy will release more information about the operation and seizure of the shabu shipment once more details are available.

NLVC commander Commodore Edward Ike de Sagon told reporters the suspected shabu was seized from a fishing vessel some 50 to 60 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.

De Sagon noted that there is no information yet as to where the shabu came from or what larger vessel transferred it to the fishing boat, and where it was being transported to.

Acting on information about the suspicious movements of the fishing vessel, the Philippine Navy and NLVC were able to intercept the shipment.