P20M in cocaine found floating off coast of Rizal, Palawan - PNP

An estimated P20 million worth of suspected cocaine were found floating along the coast of Rizal, Palawan on Monday afternoon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a statement, the PNP said a fisherman discovered the suspected cocaine – concealed in two packages wrapped in black plastic – floating some 25 mile from the shore of Barangay Taburi.

Police immediately secured the illegal drugs for proper documentation and laboratory examination.

Authorities are now conducting further investigation to trace the origin of the recovered illegal drugs and identify persons behind the contraband.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the swift coordination of police and the vigilance of the fisherman who reported the contraband.

“Malaking bagay ang pakikipagtulungan ng ating mamamayan sa mga ganitong sitwasyon. Ang simpleng pagre-report ng kahina-hinalang bagay ay malaking tulong upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng ilegal na droga sa ating mga komunidad,” Nartatez said.

(The cooperation of our countrymen is a big deal in these kinds of situations. The imple act of reporting suspicious-looking objects is a big help in preventing the spread of illegal drugs in our communities.)

He added that the PNP continues to strengthen its maritime and coastal monitoring efforts in coordination with partner agencies to prevent illegal drugs from entering communities through sea routes.

“Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang ating pagbabantay sa mga baybayin at karagatan. Mananatiling alerto at handa ang kapulisan laban sa anumang uri ng ilegal na aktibidad,” he added.

(We will continue to keep a close eye on our shores and seas. Our police will remain on alert and ready against any illegal activity.) — JMA, GMA News