P1.5B Suspected Shabu Found by Fishermen off Zambales
MARIVELES, Bataan — A massive discovery was made by local fishermen off the coast of Zambales as they recovered ten sacks filled with what is suspected to be shabu, with an estimated street value of P1.5 billion. This major haul was voluntarily surrendered to the Mariveles police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday afternoon, as per authoritative reports.
Col. Marites A. Salvadora, the police directress, disclosed that the fishermen happened upon the floating sacks in the high seas of West Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales, around 5:30 p.m. on May 29, 2025. The sacks were discovered just drifting along and raised immediate suspicion due to their unusual presence in the water.
“We have already turned over the 10 sacks to the PDEA for proper examination and handling. We are confident that these are shabu, although further laboratory testing is required to confirm,” stated Col. Salvadora.
The discovery prompted a personal inspection by Col. Salvadora, alongside PDEA agents and members of the Philippine Coast Guard, to ensure a thorough verification of the contents.
According to Lt. Col. Dennis Orbista, the chief of police in Mariveles, Bajo de Masinloc is approximately a three-day journey from Mariveles by sea, indicating the determination and effort required by the fishermen in bringing their find back to land.
The initial police investigation based on the account shared by Dennis Sumayo, who was part of the fishing crew on the Clydie Claire, details how the crew stumbled upon the sacks while navigating through the seawaters of West Bajo de Masinloc. Initially mistaking the sacks for food provisions, curiosity led them to collect the sacks. However, upon opening the packaging, they uncovered what was suspected to be shabu.
The fishermen ensured the sacks were safely transported to the coastal waters of Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles, reaching their destination around 2:00 p.m. on June 1, 2025.
The subsequent morning, on June 2 at approximately 8:00 a.m., the fishermen reported their find to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Mariveles Sub-Station, which effectively communicated with Mariveles police for prompt action.
Following a detailed inventory process, which was witnessed by a Department of Justice representative, a media member, and an elected official, the ten sacks were duly handed over to the PDEA. This protocol ensured transparency and accountability in handling such a significant confiscation.
Col. Salvadora confirmed that the shabu weighs approximately 222 kilos, equating to a staggering market value of P1.509 billion. This significant find represents a pivotal moment for anti-drug enforcement efforts in the region.
The confiscated sacks of suspected shabu have been delivered to the PDEA Bataan Provincial Office for appropriate processing and further investigation. This step underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal drug trade and safeguarding communities.
This extraordinary incident highlights the vigilance and proactive nature of local fishermen and security forces in tackling illegal activities along the maritime borders. Such cooperation between citizens and authorities remains vital in the continued fight against the drug menace.
The retrieval and surrender of the suspected shabu is testament to the impact of dedicated individuals working collectively to uphold justice and safety. As authorities proceed with laboratory tests to confirm the substance, this case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by anti-drug operatives in the region and beyond.
