LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) confirmed in a press conference on July 10 that a fisherman discovered a plastic pack of shabu floating in the coastal waters of Bubon in Burgos town.
Police Capt. Jennie Lingan, Burgos chief of police, recalled the events leading to the discovery.
She said that around 10:00 a.m. on July 9, the municipal station received a call from a local fisherfolk reporting a suspicious package floating in the waters of Burgos town.
The police officers then coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deploy floating assets to the area, ensuring the package was retrieved safely and efficiently.
“The fisherfolk identified the substance as shabu due to prior information dissemination following a similar incident in Ilocos Sur. We had informed them about what to look out for, so they were prepared to recognize and report any suspicious items,” said Lingan.
It tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride and had an aggregate weight of 997.62 grams.
Following the previous incident in Ilocos Sur, the police conducted extensive information campaigns to educate coastal residents about the signs of illegal drugs and the importance of reporting suspicious finds.
Moreover, Police Col. Frederick Obar, INPPO provincial director, addressed the ongoing investigation, highlighting the challenges in pinpointing the exact location and individuals responsible for dropping the illegal drugs.
“We cannot yet determine the precise origin or the people behind this drop. However, we have instructed all coastal municipalities to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious items found along their shorelines,” Obar stated.
In line with standard operating procedures, the INPPO plans to conduct a thorough disposal and destruction of the recovered drugs.
The provincial director assured the public that these measures are crucial in preventing the drugs from circulating back into the community and causing further harm.
The fisherfolk who discovered the illegal drugs will be commended for their vigilance and cooperation. (AMB/MJTAB/JFGH/PIA Ilocos Norte)
