36 more bricks of cocaine seized in Davao Oriental
Packs of suspected high-grade cocaine continue to be washed up on various shorelines of Mindanao and Luzon in the past two weeks, the latest of which were 36 bricks seized at the shoreline of Caraga, Davao Oriental.
With the latest drug haul, police estimated that more than
P2 billion worth of cocaine has been seized so far.
Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said three bundles containing 10 bricks each and another pack which appears to have already been opened that contain only six bricks were found in Barangay Santiago in Caraga town.
“It was reported by a local resident to the police who found them while swimming on the shoreline on Sunday morning,” said Banac.
The discovery of cocaine in Davao Oriental came a few hours after 34 bricks were found in Tandag City in Surigao del Sur.
Two weeks ago, 88 cocaine bricks were also found off the waters of Dinagat Island and Surigao del Norte.
Several bricks were also seized in Quezon province, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.
Banac said another brick was also found off the waters of Dingalan, Aurora.
“All recovered items are now undergoing further laboratory examinations for proper disposition,” said Banac.
Banac lauded the local residents for their cooperation in turning over the cocaine to the police, as well as the local police commanders who were aggressive in conducting information campaign to those living in coastal areas.
“The PNP lauds the strong cooperation and vigilance of the public which continue to produce positive results following the discovery of more suspected cocaine in various parts of the eastern seaboard of the country,” said Banac.
Local commanders have been offering a sack of rice or 12,000 for each of the turned over cocaine brick which weighs one to 1.2 kilos.
Each kilo costs more or less 112 million based on the survey conducted in some European countries based on the amount they spend for each gram of cocaine.
Chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz, Caraga regional director, said European users spend 195 Euro to 211 Euro per gram based on the survey.
The PNP leadership had earlier advised residents of coastal areas to surrender
the cocaine bricks they would chance upon since it would spell out trouble if the cocaine bricks are caught in their possession.
Possession of a kilo of illegal drugs like shabu or cocaine is a non-bailable offense and if convicted, those charged may face life sentence.
“We also continue to appeal to you to remain vigilant and report to the police any suspicious packages washed ashore or anyone who may show up offering an amount in exchange of said items,” said Banac.