The Philippine National Police, or PNP, is investigating potential links between foreign drug personalities and the recent seizure of P19.2 million worth of high-grade marijuana recovered in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the agency is working closely with the International Criminal Police Organization, or Interpol, and other international law enforcement agencies to trace the source of the confiscated drugs and identify those behind the smuggling operation.

“Coordination with Interpol now is being strengthened to determine the people behind this illegal operations,” Nartatez said.

“We are strengthening our intelligence exchange to track foreign drug personalities who may be operating in or targeting the Philippines,” he added.

The PNP chief also stressed the need for international assistance due to the wide area under surveillance.

“We need help from other agencies because this is a widespread monitoring,” Nartatez said.

In addition to international coordination, Nartatez said the PNP is collaborating with local government units and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to strengthen anti-drug measures in coastal areas.

These measures include community meetings and information drives to help residents recognize and report illegal drug activities at sea.

“We will continue to reach out to our coastal communities to raise awareness and help them identify what to do if they encounter illegal drugs at sea,” Nartatez said.

Authorities recently recovered the marijuana cache off the coast of Palawan, marking the latest in a series of maritime drug recoveries.

In June, authorities intercepted P8.8 billion worth of illegal drugs packaged in floating parcels in the waters off Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region.