Authorities have recovered an estimated ₱19.2 million worth of suspected marijuana kush found floating in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Navy.
The discovery was made during a regular maritime patrol near Sabina Shoal when Navy personnel spotted a black duffle bag drifting in open waters. Upon inspection, they found 32 heat-sealed plastic packs containing dried marijuana leaves weighing about 16 kilograms.
The Philippine Navy immediately coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to secure and document the seized contraband.
The recovered evidence was brought to the Philippine Navy facility in Tidepole, Barangay Masipag, Puerto Princesa City, where inventory and documentation were conducted in coordination with the PDEA Palawan Provincial Office.
Authorities said the items will be turned over to the Police Regional Office 4B Palawan Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and proper disposition.
The joint operation underscores continued maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea, where authorities have occasionally encountered illegal drugs and other contraband drifting in Philippine waters.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the marijuana shipment and whether it is linked to cross-border drug smuggling activities in the region.
