Manila: The value of shabu discovered floating off the shores of Luzon since June 2 has reached nearly PHP9 billion, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Tuesday. In a press conference at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo announced the recent discovery of 25 kilograms of shabu in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, fisherfolk in the provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan have collectively found 66 sacks containing 1,297.911 kilograms of shabu, valued at PHP8.8 billion. Brig. Gen. Fajardo emphasized the importance of bolstering joint coastal patrols with the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy to combat the maritime illegal drug trade.
The local government has already rewarded nine fisherfolk from Bataan, who discovered shabu in Zambales, with PHP100,000. Additionally, the PNP provided them with sacks of rice as a token of appreciation. Fisherfolk from Ilocos and Pangasinan are also set to receive government incentives. Authorities suspect that these drugs originate from the Chinese-run Golden Triangle syndicate, as indicated by the similar packaging of all recovered items.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) attributed the dumping of 1.2 tons of shabu in Luzon waters to Sam Gor, a vast international crime syndicate. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez described Sam Gor as a five-drug triad alliance operating across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, with significant control over the methamphetamine market. The syndicate is also involved in trafficking heroin, ketamine, and other synthetic drugs and precursor chemicals.
Sam Gor's leader, Tse Chi Lop, a Chinese-Canadian, was arrested in the Netherlands four years ago and extradited to Australia in December 2022 to face drug trafficking charges. The packaging of the recovered shabu, containing teabags with Chinese markings, is associated with Sam Gor's signature smuggling methods.
Director General Nerez highlighted Sam Gor's unconventional drug smuggling techniques, such as using the high seas to dump their illicit goods for later retrieval by local contacts. He praised the fisherfolk who surrendered the floating shabu to authorities, recognizing their vigilance and integrity. In response to the situation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate destruction of the recovered drugs to prevent them from reaching society.
