Batangas city: Authorities arrested a 30-year-old suspect at the Port of Batangas who was caught carrying 40 kg. of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP272 million, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez stated that the suspect, known by the alias 'Datubon' from Cotabato City, was arrested during an interdiction operation. This operation was conducted with the cooperation of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) at the Port of Batangas in Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The illegal drugs were found inside transparent plastic bags and were transported in a sports utility vehicle. Nerez emphasized the importance of safeguarding seaports from being used as transit and drop points for illegal drugs. He mentioned that interdiction operations will continue to be conducted regularly to prevent drug trafficking activities in the country's waters.

The suspect faces charges for violating Section 5 (Transportation of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The PDEA chief also praised the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the successful interception of the illegal drugs.