Authorities Seize ₱19.2 Million Worth of Marijuana off West Philippine Sea in Major Maritime Operation

Authorities have intercepted an estimated ₱19.2 million worth of high-grade marijuana, also known as kush, off the West Philippine Sea on October 20, 2025, in what officials described as a “clear demonstration of unity” among the country’s security forces.

In a statement released by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Navy recovered the contraband during a routine maritime patrol near Sabina Shoal, a feature located within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

According to the report, Navy personnel spotted a black duffle bag drifting at sea and immediately retrieved it for inspection.

Upon opening the bag, authorities found 32 heat-sealed plastic packs filled with dried buds of suspected marijuana weighing approximately 16 kilograms.

The seized items were immediately brought to the Philippine Navy facility at 2LT Lagare Pier, Tidepole, Barangay Masipag, Puerto Princesa City, for documentation and inventory.

The process was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Palawan Provincial Office and witnessed by barangay officials and media representatives to ensure transparency.

The evidence was later turned over to the Police Regional Office 4B Palawan Provincial Forensic Unit for examination and proper disposition.

Authorities have not yet identified the source of the drugs or how the bag ended up floating in the area, but investigations are ongoing to determine if the contraband was intended for smuggling into the country or discarded by traffickers to evade capture.

PNP Acting Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the swift and coordinated response of the Philippine Navy and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of vigilance in protecting the country’s maritime borders.

“This operation reflects our collective vigilance and determination to stop illegal drugs from entering our shores,” Nartatez said. “It is a clear demonstration of the unity among our law enforcement and defense agencies working hand in hand to protect our people and preserve the integrity of our borders.”

PNP Chief of the Public Information Office Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño also lauded the seamless collaboration among the PNP, Navy, and PDEA, describing it as a model for future maritime security operations.

“Our cooperation with the Navy and PDEA remains steadfast. We are determined to ensure that the country’s waterways are never exploited by drug traffickers,” he said.

Authorities believe the interception underscores the growing challenge of drug syndicates using maritime routes to smuggle illegal substances into the Philippines. The West Philippine Sea, in particular, has become a critical area of concern due to its vast and loosely monitored waters.

Meanwhile, the PNP and PDEA reported separate but related nationwide operations from October 10 to 17, which resulted in the seizure of ₱928.03 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 142 suspects.

According to PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez, the anti-drug operations led to the confiscation of 109,681.84 grams of shabu, 28 milliliters of liquid shabu, 7,100 grams of cocaine, 62,344.82 grams of marijuana kush, 14.17 grams of dried marijuana leaves, 81,920 marijuana plants, 124 milliliters of marijuana oil, and 1,250 marijuana seedlings.

Of the 142 arrested individuals, 70 were identified as drug pushers, 34 as drug den visitors or clients, 15 as drug den owners or maintainers, 11 as employees, and 12 as possessors of illegal substances.

Nartatez emphasized that the latest drug haul off the West Philippine Sea serves as a reminder of the continued threat posed by international drug networks. “We will not let our guard down. Our seas, our communities, and our people must be protected from the scourge of illegal drugs,” he said.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying maritime patrols and inter-agency coordination to safeguard the country’s borders and prevent future smuggling attempts.