Navy: P10-B shabu seized off Zambales bore Chinese markings

Philippine Navy personnel board a Philippine-registered vessel off the coast of Zambales in an anti-narcotics operation on June 20, 2025. The four fishermen and a Chinese-Malaysian onboard the vessel are suspected of being members of an international crime syndicate, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said. — Photo from Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines — The P10 billion worth of crystal meth (shabu), intercepted off the coast of Zambales on June 20, bore Chinese markings, according to Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.

“The shipment amounting to 1.5 tons, roughly around P10 billion, had markings that appeared in Chinese characters,” Trinidad said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Earlier, Northern Luzon Naval Command chief Commodore Edward Ike De Sagon said the drugs were discovered on a small fishing vessel 50 to 60 nautical miles (92 to 111 kilometers) from the coast.

READ: Shabu worth P10B intercepted off Zambales coast – Navy

De Sagon also revealed that the vessel was initially spotted with a larger ship before it made its way towards the mainland.

On the other hand, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the vessel was a Philippine-registered fishing boat.

Authorities revealed that an initial number of about four fishermen were found aboard, as well as a Chinese-Malaysian individual.

They are “believed to be a member of Sam Gor international crime syndicate, the same drug cartel behind the recent dumping of floating shabu in the coastal areas of Zambales, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and Cagayan,” PDEA disclosed. /das