Bulacan: The PHP700 million worth of shabu seized in Bulacan on June 28 might be part of the tons of 'floating shabu' found in the waters of Luzon, the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) said on Monday. In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PDEG Director Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates mentioned that they are investigating the possibility that the shabu packs seized in a sting operation in Plaridel were originally retrieved from the sea.

According to Philippines News Agency, during an inventory, Quilates noted that the anti-narcotics police observed the 103 kilograms of shabu, with an estimated standard drug price of PHP700.4 million, were wet. He explained, "The bag is also wet. Then the packaging is wet. The tea bag cover has four layers."

Quilates further detailed that one of the suspects arrested during the Bulacan operation is a Chinese national identified as 'Lian.' Quilates said, "He has a seafood store and a small restaurant. He has a common-law wife, and they've been living for more than 10 years here." Authorities plan to verify how he entered the country and his residency status.

The other suspect apprehended is a Filipino, who Quilates identified as merely the Chinese suspect's helper. Earlier reports revealed that fishermen had found floating shabu in batches drifting in the waters off the provinces of Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Cagayan.