2.2 tons of meth worth almost P15 billion found in Mindoro
Authorities in Oriental Mindoro seized a staggering 2.2 tons of suspected meth, valued at nearly P15 billion, from a beached speedboat, following a tip-off about two Chinese nationals.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division, led by Maj. Gen. Ram Zagala, responded to a concerned citizen's report about a beached twin-engine speedboat in Barangay Harrison, Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. Troops from the 76th Infantry Battalion of the 203rd Infantry Brigade discovered 43 sacks containing approximately 2.2 tons of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu). The discovery occurred in Sitio Agbalite, where the speedboat had run aground along the shoreline.
The estimated value of the seized drugs varies significantly across official statements. The Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division initially valued the haul at â±6.8 billion, while other military officials, including Brig. Gen. Melio Rag, estimated it at â±16 billion to â±20 billion based on current market rates. In addition to the suspected drugs, authorities recovered a Starlink communication device, eight hand flares, three fire extinguishers, four batteries, two life jackets, and two lifebuoys from the vessel.
When troops arrived at the scene, they spotted two individuals near the speedboat who immediately fled into nearby forest areas. Military officials indicated that the two suspects appeared to be of Chinese descent, though this identification remains unconfirmed. Search operations were initiated for the fugitives, but officials noted that the remote, coastal nature of Paluanâprimarily accessible by boatâmay complicate these efforts. No arrests have been reported as of the latest information.
The suspected drugs were transferred to the Philippine National Police in Sablayan town for proper documentation, inventory, and laboratory testing to confirm the substance's composition and exact weight. The Philippine Army emphasized collaboration between military and law enforcement agencies in combating illegal activities, with further investigation to be conducted by the Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. This seizure represents one of the largest drug busts in recent Philippine history, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
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