PNP probing surrendered P34.5M cocaine in Patnanungan, Quezon

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the origins of over six kilos of suspected cocaine valued at around P34 million that was turned over by a resident of Patnanungan, Quezon to authorities over the weekend.

In a statement, the PNP said the suspected 6.5 kilos cocaine was inside five taped plastic bags when it was turned over by a 52-year-old male fisherman of Barangay Busdak to the Patnanungan Municipal Police Station on Saturday.

The suspected narcotics has an estimated value of P34.528 million and were believed to have drifted ashore months earlier before being discovered at a coastal area.

Police personnel immediately secured the items and prepared these for submission to the Quezon Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination to determine their chemical composition and confirm the nature of the substance.

The PNP said it is conducting “a deeper investigation to determine the source of the suspected illegal drugs, identify possible networks involved, and establish how the items came into the possession of the individual who turned them over.”

“We are determined to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure that all persons responsible will be held accountable under the law,” said PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

“Patuloy nating tututukan ang imbestigasyon upang malaman kung saan ito nanggaling at kung sino ang nasa likod nito,” he added.

(We will focus on our investigation to find out where this came from and who is behind this.) — JMA, GMA News