Basilan fishermen find 1 kg of cocaine floating near coastal town

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—A shipment of cocaine weighing an estimated 1 kilogram was found by fishermen floating in waters off Basilan on Monday, Sept. 23, according to police.

Col. Rufino Inot, Basilan police chief, said fishermen in the town of Mohamad Ajul found the package floating in waters between the villages of Langil and Linungan and reported it to authorities.

Inot said a check showed the package was cocaine weighing at least 1 kg.

Mohamad Ajul Mayor Ibrahim Ballaho offered a P10,000 reward for every cocaine haul turned over to authorities.

The reward, said the mayor, would help encourage townsfolk to report cocaine drop-offs near the town’s shores and prevent the drug’s entry through the town.

Inot said police were still trying to determine the source of the cocaine and the people responsible for its drop-off at sea./TSB