Massive Shabu Bust: Fishermen Uncover Millions in Drugs off Pangasinan

Fishermen's Unexpected Haul: Hundreds of Millions of Pesos Worth of Shabu Found off Pangasinan Coast On June 5, 2025, fishermen in the coastal towns of Agno and Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines, made a startling discovery while navigating the high seas. They stumbled upon several sacks containing a white crystalline substance later identified as shabu, or methamphetamine. Authorities believe this haul to weigh around 130 kilograms, with an estimated value of approximately ₱884 million. "Groups of fishermen in Pangasinan pulled from the sea what authorities now believe to be hundreds of millions of pesos worth of shabu or meth," reported Rappler, a Philippine news organization. The video footage shows the vacuum-sealed packages of the drug, many marked with foreign characters. A separate group of fishermen in Bani town also turned over several bundles of suspected shabu, weighing more than 30 kilograms. Authorities estimate this additional haul at ₱170 million. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez stated that the Pangasinan haul is linked to an earlier shabu find worth ₱1.5 billion off the coast of Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales. The discovery underscores the ongoing challenge of drug trafficking in the Philippines and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and citizens in combating this illegal activity.