Authorities recovered suspected illegal drugs worth nearly P20 billion from an abandoned speedboat discovered in a coastal area of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.
The seizure was reported on March 10, 2026, in Sitio Agbalite, Barangay Harrison.
According to the 76th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, soldiers responded after receiving information from a concerned citizen about two Chinese nationals aboard a speedboat in the area.
Troops proceeded to the location to inspect the vessel.
However, when soldiers attempted to approach and inspect the speedboat, the two Chinese nationals reportedly fled toward the mountainous area nearby.
Authorities immediately conducted an inspection of the abandoned boat.
During the search, troops discovered 43 sacks containing suspected shabu.
The seized illegal drugs were estimated to weigh about 2.2 metric tons.
Authorities said the suspected drugs have an estimated value of around P20 billion.
Aside from the suspected illegal substances, soldiers also recovered several pieces of equipment from the speedboat.
Among the items found was a Starlink satellite communication device along with other equipment believed to be connected to the vessel’s operations.
Authorities have launched an ongoing pursuit operation to locate the two foreign nationals who escaped during the inspection.
Military units continue to search the surrounding mountainous areas as part of efforts to track down the suspects.
Meanwhile, authorities said further investigation is underway regarding the recovered items and the proper disposition of the seized evidence.
Officials are also working to determine the possible source and intended destination of the suspected illegal drugs.
