A Philippine Navy vessel conducting a maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea recovered PHP214 million worth of suspected cocaine southeast of Piedras Point, within the waters of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on Saturday.
According to the Western Naval Command, BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178) retrieved two floating sacks during its patrol and transported them to Naval Station Carlito Cunanan.
Initial investigation revealed that the contraband reportedly fell off a local fishing boat.
The suspected illegal drugs were turned over to the Naval Intelligence and Security Group-West and later handed to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for testing and proper disposition.
The recovery was made during a routine maritime and sovereignty patrol, part of the Navy’s intensified efforts to secure Philippine waters against smuggling and other illicit activities.