P165-million cocaine seized in Samar

MANILA, Philippines - Police seized 33 one-kilo bricks of cocaine valued at around P165 million and arrested six persons in a series of operations in Eastern Samar.

Probers believe the haul was part of the 1.9 tons of cocaine dumped by a Chinese vessel in the waters of Samar last December to avoid being caught with the contraband by pursuing authorities.

The Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF) of the Philippine National Police, together with operatives of the Region 8 police, recovered the cocaine bricks during a three-day operation from June 27 to 30.

The PNP-AIDSOTF said Samar residents still in possession of the remaining cocaine should turn this over to the task force or the local police to avoid arrest and prosecution.

Possessing and selling illegal drugs are serious offenses with a penalty of life imprisonment.

According to reports, a substantial amount of cocaine is still in the hands of local folk, especially those in the coastal areas of Eastern and Northern Samar.

Police said the seized cocaine was part of the reported 1.9 tons of cocaine dumped by a Chinese vessel named King Yue I in the waters of Samar last December to avoid being caught with the contraband.

Senior Superintendent Francisco Uyami Jr., AIDSOTF chief, said the Chinese vessel was reportedly transporting the cocaine from South America to Hong Kong when it dumped the contraband when its crew learned that US authorities were tracking them down.

Fisherfolk in Eastern and Northern Samar turned over some 300 kilos of cocaine to the authorities last December.

This year, part of the dumped cocaine has spread to other parts of the country, including Metro Manila, as evidenced by cocaine bricks seized in a series of buy-bust operations. – With Miriam Garcia Desacada