At least 16.5 liters of white liquid believed to be raw materials in the production of cocaine was seized in the open waters in Quezon province Monday.
Newly-designated chief Calabarzon Police Provincial Office Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar said that the 16.5 liters of liquid cocaine with an estimated street value of P130 million was recovered by a group of fishermen off Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte.
Eleazar said that upon the recovery of the prohibited drug concealed in plastic containers by the fishermen, the police discovered that the container has a tracking devices (Global Positioning System) attached to it.
Eleazar said the containers of liquid cocaine were intercepted by three boatmen in separate areas off Calaguas Island.
In a report, fishermen Jayner Tisou, Michael Sekreto, Joven Mendez and Virgilio Yanilla immediately informed local police authorities of the presence of the containers.
“Upon the recovery of the plastic containers, the fishermen immediately called for police assistance. And when inspected, there were GPS devices attached to the containers,” Eleazar said.
Eleazar said the GPS was deliberately installed by the drug syndicates to be able to track their locations and eventually retrieve them.
In a chemical examination conducted by the Quezon police laboratory in Camp Nakar, authorities confirmed that the liquid was indeed a key ingredient in the production of high-grade cocaine.
Last week, at least 28 kilos of high grade cocaine worth more than P200 million was also recovered by four fishermen in the waters of Camarines Norte.
Fishermen Jeffrey Taro, Victor Anarcho, Antonio Permian and Dencio Sanico were venturing off the waters of Camarines Norte when they accidentally intercepted the illegal cargo.
Eleazar said they would coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency on the possibility of giving cash rewards to fishermen who helped recover the illegal drugs.
“We thank the fishermen for their patriotic efforts in turning over the said containers to the authorities,” Eleazar said.