Multiple sacks recovered by authorities suspected to contain illegal drugs along various coastal areas in Pangasinan are estimated to cost P6.8 billion.

Authorities said it is now considered one of the biggest maritime drug seizures in the country.

The sacks were recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) between June 5 and June 8.

The PCG deployed BRP Cabra and two high-speed response boats to boost patrol operations. They also launched drone surveillance to help locate more sacks that may still be floating in the waters.

John Lloyd Padilla, one of the fishermen who reported the find, said they found the sacks at sea just after fishing.

“Binuksan namin, tiningnan namin. Akala namin durian, tapos parang crystal,” Padilla said.

Instead of keeping the sacks, the fishermen turned them over to authorities right away.

In a statement, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III praised the fishermen, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for their swift action.

"Kahanga-hanga ang pagiging mapagmatyag at alerto ng mga mangingisda dahil matapos marekober ang mga kontrabado ay agad ipinasakamay sa mga otoridad," it read.

He also called on national agencies to launch a full investigation to identify those behind the massive drug haul and ensure they are held accountable.