President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally conducted an ocular inspection of over a ton of floating methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, recovered by local fishermen along the Luzon coastline.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Undersecretary Isagani Nerez stated that President Marcos ordered the immediate destruction of the illegal drugs.
The confiscated narcotics weighed 1,304.604 kilograms, with an estimated street value exceeding ₱8 billion.
These drugs were found drifting in the waters off Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan.
With no suspects arrested and no charges filed, the President mandated the destruction of the drugs through a written order.
The disposal process will involve thermal decomposition, following proper inventory, forensic examination, and reporting in front of authorized witnesses.
In addition to the floating shabu, authorities will also destroy 226.043 kilograms of various dangerous drugs worth ₱609 million, previously seized in separate operations based on court directives.
President Marcos also directed law enforcement to tighten coastal and maritime security to prevent future drug smuggling attempts.
PDEA emphasized its unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal drugs, reinforcing collaboration with communities, maritime stakeholders, and other government agencies to protect Philippine shores.
PDEA also regarded the President’s presence as a powerful affirmation of the government’s firm resolve to end the nation’s drug problem.