2 Chinese arrested as speedboat off Occ. Mindoro yields P5.8-B ‘shabu’
Philippine Army troops successfully intercepted a two-engine speedboat off Occidental Mindoro, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of approximately 876 kilograms of suspected "shabu" (crystal meth) valued at a staggering P5.8 billion. This massive drug bust highlights ongoing efforts against illegal drug trafficking in the country.
On March 10, 2026, Philippine Army troops from the 76th Infantry Battalion responded to a tip about a stranded twin-engine speedboat along the shoreline of Sitio Agbalite, Barangay Harrison in Oriental Mindoro (near Occidental Mindoro). The operation occurred around 3 p.m. when soldiers discovered the vessel containing approximately 43 sacks of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) weighing about 2.2 metric tons (2,200 kilograms). The two Chinese nationals aboard the speedboat initially fled into nearby mountains upon spotting the troops but were later apprehended by authorities. The seized drugs were valued at approximately P5.8 billion according to initial reports, though some sources estimated up to P6 billion. The speedboat also contained a Starlink satellite communication device and other equipment under investigation. The Philippine Army, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, continues pursuit and inquiry efforts regarding this massive drug bust, which represents one of the largest shabu seizures in recent Philippine history. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat international drug trafficking syndicates operating in Philippine waters, particularly involving foreign nationals using maritime routes for drug transportation.
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