DOJ sets sights on Subic after seizure of ₱3.6B worth of shabu

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 28) — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla stressed the need to closely monitor Subic as it has become a gateway for smugglers, with authorities discovering 530 kilograms of cocaine in a Pampanga warehouse on Wednesday night.

"We have to watch Subic. Subic din ang na-pinpoint namin na source ng agricultural smuggling (We have also pinpointed Subic as a source of agricultural smuggling)," he said during a briefing on Thursday.

In a series of photos sent by Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano to media, authorities found several boxes, including some plastics containing chicharon. When scanned, they were positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride, more popularly known as shabu.

The Justice chief said the smuggling operation was conducted in a "very sophisticated" manner.

The National Bureau of Investigation has already a list of individuals to be arrested, he noted.

Asked if foreign nationals could be behind the illegal operation, Remulla said "definitely."

"Thailand is one of the sources. The markings of the packaging have Thai marking, sinama sa (included in) chicharon at dog feed. We don't know if this was used to hide the smell of drugs," Remulla said.

In October 2022, local law enforcement also confiscated 990 kilos of shabu worth ₱6.7 billion in Tondo, Manila.