P816M worth of shabu seized at Calapan Port

Over 120 kilograms of shabu with an estimate value of P816 million was seized during an operation at Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro on Friday.

According to a statement, the joint operation between the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 4B, PRO MIMAROPA Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Calapan City Police Station, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Ports Authority led to the seizure and the arrest of a 43-year-old male suspect.

During the operation, authorities were able to recover 2 luggage bags and 5 handheld bags containing a total of 120 sealed packages, each containing 1 kilogram of suspected shabu.

They also confiscated a car, a phone, and a shipping lines ticket.

“This successful operation is a testament to the effectiveness of our intensified inter-agency collaboration. I have long advocated for a unified approach among law enforcement agencies in our fight against illegal drugs, particularly in strengthening port security—one of the most critical fronts in preventing drug smuggling in our AOR,” said Police Regional Office MIMAROPA Regional Director Police Brigadier General Roger Quesada.

“Let this serve as a strong and clear message—there is no safe passage for illegal drugs in MIMAROPA. We will continue to intensify our operations and hold accountable those who seek to destroy our communities,” he added.

Meanwhile, PRO MIMAROPA shared that they have arrested 110 drug personalities and confiscated a total of 434.47 grams of shabu worth P2.95 million in various operations since January.

“This successful operation strengthens our resolve to intensify our anti-drug efforts. PRO MIMAROPA remains steadfast in our mission to protect our people and secure a future free from the devastating effects of illegal drugs,” Quesada said. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News