The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified patrols in coastal areas nationwide following the recovery of 16 kilos of marijuana worth P19.2 million in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the Maritime Group and the police regional offices to heighten community patrols to prevent syndicates from smuggling illegal drugs into the country.
‘I have instructed our police units to intensify patrol in coastal areas to prevent these drug shipments since this is not the first time that authorities seized illegal drugs in our waters,’ Nartatez said in a statement.
The marijuana, stashed in 32 plastic bags, was placed in a black duffel bag, which was found floating near Sabina Shoal on Friday.
Members of the Philippine Navy brought the contraband to a PN facility in Barangay Masipag in Puerto Princesa City for an inventory.
The contraband was then turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the presence of barangay officials and journalists.
Nartatez said a joint investigation by the PNP and the PDEA is ongoing to identify people behind the dumping of illegal drugs in the country’s maritime domain.