Joint authorities have seized 1.17 billion pesos worth of suspected shabu recovered by local fishermen in the vicinity waters of Pangasinan, on 05 June 2025.

The proactive incident reporting and law enforcement operation resulted from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)'s intensified community engagement with local fisherfolk to improve maritime surveillance in the country's waters.

Under the directive of President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr., this joint effort of the PCG, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) underscores the strong campaign in protecting the country’s maritime borders against illegal drug trafficking.

The recovery stemmed from a report to the PCG by a local fisherman in Barangay Balingasay, who discovered two sacks floating around 32 nautical miles west of Agno.

These were turned over to authorities after being temporarily secured at his residence.

As the day progressed, more sacks were recovered in different locations: two by another fisherman and one in Barangay Guiguiwanen, Bolinao; one at Cabana Resort in Bani; and an additional sack in Sabangan Boboy, Agno.

Each sack contained sealed packs of crystalline substances, suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride commonly known as "shabu."

Following the seizures, the Coast Guard District Northwestern Luzon (CGDNWLZN) Commander, Captain Mark Larsen Mariano PCG, directed all PCG Stations and Sub-Stations to intensify coastal security patrols and increase community engagement with local fisherfolk to improve maritime surveillance and ensure prompt reporting of similar incidents.

The PCG encourages local fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to report any suspicious floating packages or activities to the nearest Coast Guard station for appropriate action.