Mariveles: Authorities in Central Luzon scored a major win in the fight against illegal drugs with the seizure of an estimated PHP802.4 million worth of suspected shabu in Mariveles, Bataan, on Thursday. Police said six sacks containing 118 packs of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride), weighing approximately 118 kilograms, were discovered along the shoreline of Barangay Sisiman near the local lighthouse, according to the Police Regional Office-3 (PRO-3).

According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement, PRO-3 said the operation stemmed from a tip provided by a concerned citizen. Acting swiftly, personnel from the Mariveles Municipal Police Station, Bataan Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Bataan Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division 3, and Bataan Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency immediately proceeded to the site.

An inventory of the confiscated items was conducted at the scene in the presence of media representatives, barangay officials, and a Department of Justice representative. The seized drugs were then turned over to Police Lt. Col. Amilyn Maclid of the Bataan Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and proper disposition.

Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Pe±ones Jr., PRO-3 chief, commended both the quick response of law enforcement and the cooperation of the public. ‘This significant recovery is a testament to what can be achieved when the community and law enforcement work hand-in-hand,’ Pe±ones said.

Authorities continue to investigate the source of the illegal drugs and are pursuing leads to identify those responsible.