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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cops ordered to step up coastal patrol vs smuggled illegal drugs

Cops ordered to step up coastal patrol vs smuggled illegal drugs

Published Oct 22, 2025 12:41 pm
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered its Maritime Group and other police commanders to intensify patrols in coastal areas to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs into Philippine waters following the recovery of a floating bag containing suspected illegal drugs in the West Philippine Sea.
“I have instructed our police units to intensify patrols in coastal areas to prevent these drug shipments, since this is not the first time that this incident happened,” said Nartatez.
The directive came after the Philippine Navy, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police, recovered a floating black duffel bag containing suspected illegal drugs near Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday.
Initial reports revealed that the bag contained 32 clear and black plastic packs with approximately 16 kilograms of suspected high-grade marijuana (kush), valued at around P19.2 million.
Nartatez underscored the importance of close coordination between the PNP and PDEA to determine the source and possible links among recent drug hauls, “The PNP will work closely with PDEA to identify those behind these drug operations.”
He also instructed local police units to strengthen engagement with coastal communities and fisherfolk to gather information that could help identify smuggling routes and prevent illegal activities at sea.
“I am appealing to the public to continue helping authorities by providing any information that could lead to the arrest of those involved in the illegal drug trade,” Nartatez said.
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