ILOCOS REGION – Law enforcement agencies have seized illegal drugs valued at approximately PHP1.36 billion in the Ilocos Region from January through August 2, 2023, bolstered by intensified border checkpoints and collaborative operations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ilocos Police Region Office Director, a significant portion of the seized contraband was discovered by local fishers along the coasts of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and Pangasinan between June and July. These fishers found about 110,000 grams of shabu, estimated to be worth PHP751 million. The discovery occurred when heavy rainfall caused the packages, initially submerged at sea and tied with nylon ropes, to surface after the ropes were destroyed.
Further operations, conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), resulted in the confiscation of an additional 89,796 grams of shabu and 37,083 grams of marijuana through various means including buy-bust operations, the serving of warrants, and additional checkpoint activities. A total of 720 individuals have been arrested in connection with these efforts, with no reported casualties.
The origin of the shabu packs has been traced back to Myanmar, indicating a broader regional smuggling issue. In response to the discovery of the drugs, local government units have offered incentives to fishers who report such findings. In Ilocos Sur, fishers who turned in drug packages received PHP50,000 each from the local government, while the PDEA provided PHP5,000 for each pack surrendered.
As of July 31, the region has also made significant strides in addressing drug-affected communities, with 2,660 of 2,929 villages declared cleared of drug activities.