A major breakthrough in the fight against illegal drugs was reported after local fishermen discovered what is believed to be shabu (crystal meth) floating off the waters of West Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales. The contraband was promptly surrendered to authorities in Bataan.

According to the boat captain, around 5:30 p.m. on May 29, 2025, the crew spotted several floating sacks at sea. Initially thinking they contained food packs, they opened them and were shocked to find suspected illegal drugs inside. The fishermen transported the sacks to Mariveles, arriving at Brgy. Sisiman by 2:00 p.m. on June 1. The items were temporarily secured on a floating barge.

By 8:00 a.m. the next day, June 2, the captain reported the incident to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Mariveles Sub-Station. A coordinated operation was then launched by the PCG, Mariveles Municipal Police Station, Bataan Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit under Provincial Director PCOL Marites A. Salvadora, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bataan.

An official inventory of the recovered sacks was conducted in the presence of representatives from the Department of Justice, media, and a barangay official. A total of 222 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱1.509 billion was found inside ten (10) sacks.

Authorities commended the fishermen for their honesty and quick action. PRO3 Regional Director PBGEN Jean S. Fajardo emphasized, “This success highlights the vital cooperation between the community and law enforcement. We urge the public to immediately report any similar incidents to the authorities.”