The Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with partner agencies, has arrested two foreign nationals believed to be involved in an attempted transport of suspected illegal drugs valued at approximately Php5.8 Billion off the coast of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.
Authorities earlier discovered a twin-engine speedboat that ran aground along the shoreline of Sitio Agbalite, Barangay Harrison, allegedly carrying sacks of a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.
Responding personnel immediately secured the area and recovered 43 sacks of suspected illegal drugs, along with several maritime and communication equipment, including a satellite modem, hand flares, batteries, and safety gear.
Initial reports revealed that two foreign nationals fled toward a nearby mountainous area when authorities approached the vessel, prompting an immediate and coordinated manhunt. The operation involved joint forces from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Following intensive search and tracking operations, joint operatives successfully arrested the two suspects, both Chinese nationals aged 38 and 36, on March 11, 2026, in Barangay Alipaoy, Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. They are currently under the custody of PDEA as the investigation continues.
Earlier on the same day, authorities also intercepted two Filipino individuals operating a rubber boat who claimed that an unidentified person had hired them to locate and assist the fleeing foreign nationals. Operatives are validating the information as part of the ongoing investigation. The seized substances will undergo laboratory examination and documentation in coordination with the PDEA to determine their exact composition and quantity.
The operation forms part of the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, aimed at strengthening law enforcement against large-scale drug trafficking in support of the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the joint efforts, saying, “Malinaw ang mensahe natin sa mga drug traffickers—hindi kayo makakalusot. Our police and partner agencies are working together to protect our shores and communities. This shows that when we act as one, even large-scale attempts to bring illegal drugs into the country can be stopped.”
“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating operasyon. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagkakahuli ng mga sangkot kundi sa pagbuwag sa buong network na nasa likod nito. We will pursue every lead until those responsible are held accountable,” he added.
PNP stressed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the operation, including possible links to international drug trafficking syndicates. The Nation’s Peacekeepers assure the public of their continued maritime and border security operations to prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities and to safeguard the country’s territorial waters.
