CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Government troops recovered an estimated ₱6.8 billion worth of suspected illegal drugs after discovering dozens of sacks of a crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” inside an abandoned speedboat along the coastal waters of Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday, military officials said.
Soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary personnel from the 76th Infantry (Victrix) Battalion under the 203rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Brigade made the discovery on March 10 in the coastal area of Barangay Harrison, Paluan, following a tip from a concerned resident who reported a twin-engine speedboat that had run aground near Sitio Agbalite.
The report prompted the troops to immediately respond to the area, where they located the stranded vessel and conducted an inspection that led to the discovery of 43 large sacks containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.
Military officials said the discovery could represent one of the largest suspected illegal drug recoveries in recent years within the region, highlighting ongoing efforts by security forces to prevent the entry of narcotics through maritime routes.
Initial estimates place the value of the suspected drugs at approximately ₱6.8 billion based on prevailing street prices. Authorities stressed, however, that the exact weight, chemical composition, and official valuation of the substances will only be determined after proper laboratory examination and forensic analysis by law enforcement agencies.
Aside from the suspected narcotics, troops also recovered several pieces of equipment believed to have been used by those transporting the illegal cargo. Among the items found inside the abandoned vessel were a Starlink satellite communication device, eight hand flares locally known as “bengala,” three fire extinguishers, four marine batteries, two life jackets, and two lifebuoys.
The presence of advanced communications equipment and maritime safety gear suggests the vessel may have been used for long-distance sea travel, raising suspicions that the shipment could have originated from outside the Philippines or from a larger international drug trafficking network operating in regional waters.
Military officials said the vessel appeared to have been abandoned before authorities arrived, and no suspects were immediately apprehended at the scene. Investigators are now working to determine the origin of the shipment, the identities of those involved, and the intended destination of the illegal cargo.
Troops immediately secured the recovered items and established a security perimeter around the area to ensure the evidence remained intact while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement authorities responsible for handling illegal drug cases.
Coordination was promptly initiated with appropriate government agencies for the proper inventory, documentation, and turnover of the seized materials. The suspected narcotics will undergo laboratory testing to confirm their composition and determine their exact weight.
Military officials emphasized that the successful recovery was made possible through cooperation between local residents and security forces, underscoring the importance of community support in combating criminal activities such as drug trafficking.
The Philippine Army continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies and local government units to strengthen maritime security and prevent illegal drugs from entering communities, particularly through coastal entry points often exploited by transnational criminal organizations.
Authorities also reminded the public that the Philippines’ extensive coastline and numerous island communities make maritime monitoring a critical component in the fight against illegal drugs and other forms of transnational crime.
Officials said investigations remain ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the abandoned vessel and the individuals responsible for transporting the suspected narcotics.
The recovered materials are currently under the custody of authorities pending further examination and legal processing.
Military officials reiterated their commitment to supporting national efforts against illegal drugs while maintaining peace and security in vulnerable coastal areas.
The operation reflects continuing efforts by government forces to disrupt narcotics trafficking networks that attempt to exploit maritime routes across the Philippine archipelago.
Photo credit: 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Philippine Army
