Palawan: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified maritime surveillance and coordinated coastal operations nationwide following the discovery of suspected cocaine worth around PHP20 million off the coast of Rizal, Palawan. The illegal drugs were recovered after fisherfolk spotted two suspicious packages floating at sea on May 10. The packages, wrapped in black plastic, prompted immediate coordination with authorities.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the necessity for enhanced coastal monitoring and closer coordination with communities living near shorelines and fishing grounds. "Investment on equipment and other assets to further improve our coastal watch capabilities is part of our modernization program. We are equipping our personnel with the necessary tools and knowledge on this aspect in close partnership with the coastal communities," Nartatez stated.

He further affirmed the commitment to preventing illegal drugs from entering the country through maritime routes. "We are stepping up our monitoring and operations to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the country through our seas. We will not allow these routes to be used for illegal activities," he added.

The police have secured the recovered items for proper documentation and laboratory examination. The PNP mentioned that the evidence is now part of an ongoing investigation to determine the origin of the shipment and identify the possible trafficking network behind it.

"We are also strengthening our relations and partnership with coastal communities so that we can prevent any illicit activity, such as drug trafficking. We need their eyes and cooperation because they are our first line of information along the coast," Nartatez stated.

He observed that attempts to utilize Philippine waters for drug smuggling are not unprecedented. "Hindi bago sa atin ang pagbabantay sa ating mga tabing-dagat dahil may mga insidente na noon na ginagamit ito para maipuslit ang ilegal na droga. Hindi natin hahayaan na magpatuloy ang ganitong gawain," he said, reiterating the resolve to prevent such activities.

Furthermore, sustained maritime operations will continue in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to disrupt possible drug trafficking routes before contraband reaches local communities.