Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is collaborating with international organizations to investigate potential connections between foreign drug networks and a recent marijuana seizure in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that the force is working with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and other international partners to trace the origins of the confiscated drugs and identify those responsible for the operation.

Nartatez emphasized the importance of international cooperation, stating, "We are strengthening our intelligence exchange to track foreign drug personalities who may be operating in or targeting the Philippines. We need the help of other agencies because we are monitoring a wide range of areas."

The PNP plans to work closely with local government units and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to engage coastal communities in meetings and information campaigns, aiming to prevent the entry of illegal drugs through maritime routes.

The operation on October 20, conducted by the PNP, PDEA, and the Philippine Navy, resulted in the recovery of high-grade marijuana worth approximately PHP19.2 million off the coast of Palawan. This follows a series of drug recoveries in June, where PHP8.8 billion worth of illegal substances were found packed in floating parcels in the waters off Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region.