Manila: Joint operations by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and Philippine Navy on Monday intercepted PHP19.2 million worth of suspected marijuana kush in the West Philippine Sea. Navy soldiers discovered a black duffle bag drifting at sea during a routine maritime patrol near Sabina Shoal, containing 32 heat-sealed plastic packs filled with dried buds of suspected marijuana, weighing approximately 16 kilograms.

According to Philippines News Agency, the seized items were brought to the Philippine Navy facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, where documentation and inventory were conducted in coordination with the PDEA provincial office. PNP acting chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., stated that this operation demonstrated the unity among law enforcement and defense agencies working together to protect people and preserve the integrity of borders.

PNP spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in preventing drug trafficking through maritime routes. He reiterated the commitment to ensuring that the country’s waterways are not exploited by drug traffickers.

Meanwhile, the PDEA and the PNP have seized PHP928.03 million worth of illegal drugs during operations conducted from Oct. 10 to 17. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez reported that agents carried out 89 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 142 individuals and the confiscation of various illegal substances, including shabu, cocaine, marijuana kush, marijuana plants, and marijuana oil.

Of the 142 arrested suspects, 70 were identified as pushers, while others included drug den visitors or clients, drug den owners or maintainers, employees, and possessors.