Authorities in Surigao del Norte recovered approximately 600 grams of suspected shabu valued at about ₱4.08 million after it was discovered along the shoreline of Barangay Daku in the municipality of General Luna, police said.
The discovery was reported on February 27 to the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO), which described the recovery as a significant development in the province’s ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
According to police, the suspected illegal substance was found inside a golden cellophane wrapper marked with a koi fish symbol. The package was turned over to the General Luna Municipal Police Station after it was discovered by a 39-year-old fisherman from Barangay Daku and reported to the barangay captain.
Initial police reports revealed that at around 4:00 p.m., the fisherman was walking along the shoreline on his way home from fishing when he noticed the unusual package. Sensing that the item could be illegal drugs, he secured it and immediately informed the barangay captain. Both later proceeded to the police station, arriving at about 5:52 p.m., where they formally turned over the package to authorities.
Police officers subsequently marked and examined the recovered item, which weighed around 600 grams. Based on the standard valuation of ₱6,800 per gram, authorities estimated its total value at ₱4,080,000.
Surigao del Norte Provincial Director PCOL Warren E. Dablo commended the barangay leadership and the fisherman for their honesty and prompt reporting, emphasizing the importance of community participation in curbing illegal drugs.
“In unwavering commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations within the bounds of the law, the SDN PNP urges the public to remain vigilant, cooperative, and actively report suspicious activities in their communities,” Dablo said. “We will relentlessly pursue drug traders who attempt to infiltrate our province and destroy the future of young Surigaonons. We will relentlessly pursue these criminals until they are apprehended and held accountable.”
Authorities said the inventory and documentation of the seized suspected shabu were conducted in accordance with existing anti-drug procedures. The process was witnessed by the barangay captain, a representative from the Department of Justice, and personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to ensure transparency and compliance with evidentiary requirements.
Police are now investigating the possible origin of the package and whether it may be linked to illegal drug trafficking activities passing through coastal areas of the province. Officials also reiterated calls for residents, particularly those living in coastal communities, to promptly report any suspicious items or activities that could be connected to criminal operations.