Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police/Facebook
Authorities recovered suspected cocaine worth about Php 50 million after packages washed ashore in Sitio Bongbongin, Barangay Canipaan, Rizal, Palawan, shortly after midnight on February 24.
The Philippine National Police immediately dispatched ground units to secure the area following a tip from a resident about suspicious items along the shoreline.
Officers from the Rizal Municipal Police Station, together with the Palawan Police Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, inspected the site and confirmed the presence of the suspected illegal drugs.
Police said the seizure included five boxes and one opened pack labeled “Stone,” with a combined weight of around 5.58 kilograms. The items were suspected to be cocaine.
Authorities estimated the value of the recovered contraband at Php 50.22 million, noting the operation likely prevented the distribution of the drugs in nearby communities.
The packages were first discovered by a local resident who immediately reported the find to barangay officials. Due to heavy rainfall, police conducted the inventory and marking at the barangay hall in the presence of officials, a media representative, and the reporting resident.
Investigators said the confiscated items would be turned over to the Rizal police for proper processing and laboratory examination to verify their contents.
“This recovery demonstrates our sustained pressure against the entry of illegal drugs through our maritime borders. We will continue to guard our coastlines and hold accountable those behind this attempt. Hindi kami mag-aatubiling kumilos laban sa sinumang sangkot sa pagpapasok ng droga sa ating mga komunidad,” said PNP Chief Pgen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
“The immediate report of a vigilant resident made a decisive difference. Malaki ang papel ng komunidad sa pagpigil sa krimen, at pinahahalagahan namin ang kanilang pakikipagtulungan,” he added.