PANGASINAN, Philippines — Authorities recovered about P4.3 billion worth of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) from the waters off Pangasinan in a three-day operation that started June 5.

Local fishermen first surrendered seven sacks of suspected shabu found floating near the coastline on June 5. The following day, authorities recovered 22 more sacks, and on June 7, an additional 13 sacks were secured. The total estimated weight of the seized drugs is 630 kilograms.

Two fishermen in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, also turned over two sacks of suspected shabu with similar packaging, indicating a possible northward drift of the illegal drugs.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed two High-Speed Response Boats for maritime patrols that led to the additional recoveries.

Capt. Mark Larsen N. Mariano, commander of Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon, commended local fishermen for their role in the operation, saying their cooperation helped prevent the entry of illegal drugs into communities.

The PCG is coordinating with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other agencies to investigate the case and maintain security in the region’s waters.