P510 Million Worth of Shabu Seized in Batangas; 3 Arrested

MANILA, Philippines — Shabu with an estimated street value of P510 million was seized by personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Batangas City on Thursday. The contraband weighing 75 kilos was found in a van that was intercepted at the Port of Batangas, according to PCG spokesperson Cmdre. Noemie Cayabyab. The joint PCG-PDEA operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects who are residents of Zamboanga City. The suspects including two men and the contraband were turned over to the PDEA for proper disposition. Charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspects, the PDEA said. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the Philippines faces in combating drug trafficking. The country's strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a key transit point for illegal narcotics, underscoring the critical role of agencies like the PCG and PDEA in national security and public safety.