By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — Blocks of suspected cocaine wrapped in packages, estimated to be worth almost PHP200 million, were found on Sunday afternoon along the shoreline of Davao Oriental and Nueva Ecija, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
Reports reaching Camp Crame in Quezon City said that around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, policemen from Caraga Municipal Police Station in Davao oriental got a phone call from barangay councilor Emelio Bantayan of Barangay Santiago informing them that there were alleged blocks of cocaine found by residents along the shoreline of Purok Talisay.
About 36 blocks of suspected cocaine with estimated value of PHP190 million were recovered in said area, the report said.
The suspected illegal contraband was turned over to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional office for further examination.
In Nueva Ecija, a brick of suspected cocaine was also recovered.
In a report from the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon), it said at around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, a fisherman from Gabaldon on his way home from catching fish in Dingalan, Aurora discovered a brick of suspected cocaine rolled with plastic and rubber tape in North Poblacion.
It has an estimated weight of one kilo and street value of PHP5 million.
Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said they laud the strong cooperation and vigilance of the public which continue to produce positive results following the recovery of more suspected cocaine in various parts of the eastern seaboard of the country.
“All recovered items are now undergoing further laboratory examinations for proper disposition. Once again, we thank the public for these latest accomplishments,” Banac said in a text message to reporters.
“Together, we can stop crimes and illegal drugs towards a safe community for our people to live, work and do business. We also continue to appeal to you to remain vigilant and report to the police any suspicious packages washed ashore or anyone who may show up offering an amount in exchange of said items,” he added.
There have been 10 incidents of recovery of cocaine bricks since February 11, including the two latest discoveries.
PNP chief Oscar Albayalde earlier alerted all police units, particularly the maritime group, to be vigilant as there is a possibility that more cocaine bricks will be recovered in the country’s coastlines in the coming days.
