Authorities intercepted approximately 120 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of Php816 Million during a major operation at Calapan Port on March 21, 2025—marking one of the largest drug seizures in the history of the MIMAROPA region.
The operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police-Special Operations Unit 4B (PNP-SOU 4B) of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), together with the PRO 4B’s Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU), the Regional Maritime Unit 4B (RMU 4B), Calapan City Police Station (CPS), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 4B; the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
A 43-year-old male suspect from Iloilo City was arrested after authorities found two luggage bags and five handheld bags containing a total of 120 sealed packages of a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with each package weighing approximately one (1) kilogram. Also seized were white Toyota Camry, an Android smartphone, and a Montenegro Shipping Lines ticket, which served as key pieces of evidence in the ongoing investigation.
As of this writing, the suspect remains under investigation as authorities work to trace the wider drug network behind the massive shipment. He is facing criminal charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Brigadier General Roger L. Quesada, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 4B (PRO 4B), lauded the inter-agency collaboration, coordination, and intelligence-sharing among partner agencies for the success of the said operation.
“I commend the dedication and teamwork of PDEA 4B, our PNP units, and other law enforcement partners for this significant accomplishment. This successful operation is a testament to our unified and intensified campaign against illegal drugs, particularly through the strengthening of port security—a critical area in our anti-smuggling efforts,” said PBGen Quesada.
He also issued a stern warning to drug traffickers: “Let this serve as a strong and clear message—there is no safe passage for illegal drugs in the MIMAROPA region. We will continue to intensify our operations and hold accountable those who seek to destroy our communities,” he added.
