The Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency-Batangas Provincial Office together with its Seaport Interdiction Unit and the Philippine Coast Guard seize 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” in Batangas port last April 10.
MANILA, Philippines — Local authorities seized 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” in Batangas Port with an estimated market value of P3.4 million.
The joint operation was conducted by the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Batangas Provincial Office, together with its Seaport Interdiction Unit and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last April 10.
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In a statement on Saturday, the PCG said that the operation was prompted by a report from a PDEA agent.
It said that “a passenger of MV BB Coron is believed to be in possession of alleged illegal drugs. Said vessel is docked at Batangas Port bound for Abra de Ilog Port in Occidental Mindoro.”
An investigation and K9 paneling involving narcotics detection dogs were conducted by the PCG and PDEA-Batangas upon receipt of the report.
“Both show positive indication on the red paper bag where the alleged illegal drugs was placed and aided with the use of substance analyzer indicating methamphethamine controlled substance,” the statement read.
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The 36-year-old female suspect, who is a resident of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, was informed of her constitutional rights by the arresting PDEA agent.
She, along with the confiscated substance, was subsequently placed in the custody of the PDEA-Batangas Provincial Office.
“Legal proceedings will follow for the violation of specific provisions of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” the PCG said.