MARIVELES, Bataan — A group of fishermen turned over suspected illegal drugs worth P1.5 billion to authorities on Monday after returning from a fishing trip on the West Bajo de Masinloc waters in Zambales.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 3 (PDEA3), these local fishermen were fishing at the said area on Thursday afternoon when they spotted 10 sacks floating on the water.

Upon checking, these sacks contained 223 assorted vacuum-sealed transparent plastic packs of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. PDEA cited that the total weight of the contrabands were 222.655 kilograms.

The crew transported the recovered items toward Mariveles, arriving near Barangay Sisiman at around 2:00pm on June 1, 2025. The ten sacks of suspected illegal drugs were temporarily secured on a floating barge in the area.

At around 8:00am, on June 2, 2025, the boat captain reported the discovery to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Mariveles Sub Station.

A coordinated response was immediately initiated with the Mariveles Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Bataan Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PPDEU), and PDEA Bataan Provincial Office.

A joint inventory of the recovered items was conducted, witnessed by a representative from the Department of Justice (DOJ), a media representative, and an elected local official.

The recovered contraband consisted of 10 sacks containing an estimated 222 kilograms of suspected shabu, with a total estimated standard drug price (SDP) of P1.509 billion.

PDEA Regional Office 3 Chief commended the fishermen for their responsible actions and has ordered a full investigation into the origin of the drugs. PDEA agents in Bataan and Zambales are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and local government units.

“The PDEA will continuously monitor all suspicious activities and remain steadfast in it’s commitment to eradicating drug smuggling in Central Luzon”, PDEA Regional Director said.

The suspected drugs were successfully submitted to PDEA with the active participation and collaboration of operatives from PDEA Bataan Seaport Interdiction Unit, PDEA Bataan Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard, and Mariveles Police Station. The recovered drugs will undergo forensic examination and confirmation at the PDEA RO 3 laboratory.