SURIGAO CITY, Philippines — Law enforcement authorities intercepted a massive shipment of illegal drugs on Sunday morning, seizing approximately ₱95 million worth of suspected crystal meth, locally known as “shabu,” at the Lipata Ferry Terminal. The operation resulted in the arrest of a high-value suspect who was allegedly attempting to transport the narcotics across regional borders.
The joint operation, conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), targeted a suspicious vehicle boarding a vessel bound for the Visayas. During a K9 inspection and subsequent manual search, operatives discovered several large packs of white crystalline substances concealed within the vehicle’s interior compartments.
“This is one of the largest drug seizures in the region this year,” a PDEA regional spokesperson said. “The success of this operation is a testament to the heightened vigilance at our seaports and the effective coordination between our intelligence units and frontline personnel.”
The arrested suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, is currently in the custody of the Surigao City Police. Authorities believe the suspect is part of a larger drug syndicate utilizing the “Ro-Ro” (roll-on/roll-off) shipping system to move illegal substances from Mindanao to various parts of the country.
The seized evidence has been turned over to the PDEA laboratory for forensic examination and weighing. Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) are being prepared against the suspect. Meanwhile, security protocols at the Lipata Port and other major transit hubs in Surigao have been further tightened to prevent similar attempts at smuggling contraband.