Manila: A Philippine Navy vessel conducting maritime patrol off the West Philippine Sea found PHP214 million worth of suspected cocaine southeast of Piedras Point, within Puerto Princesa, Palawan waters, on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Western Naval Command reported that BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178) retrieved the two floating sacks and transported them to Naval Station Carlito Cunanan. The contraband was later confirmed to have fallen off a local fishing boat.
The illegal drugs were turned over to the Naval Intelligence and Security Group-West, then to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for testing and proper disposition. The recovery was made during a routine maritime and sovereignty patrol, part of intensified efforts to safeguard Philippine maritime borders against illegal activities.