Police are investigating the source of five sealed plastic bags containing suspected cocaine worth more than P34.5 million that were voluntarily turned over by a resident in Patnanungan, Quezon on May 16.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said a 52-year-old male resident of Barangay Busdak surrendered the tape-sealed bags to the Patnanungan Municipal Police Station after coming into possession of the items.
Authorities said the bags contained a white crystalline substance suspected to be cocaine, weighing approximately 6,514.7 grams. Based on the standard drug price, the recovered items were valued at P34,528,387.
Police immediately secured the suspected illegal drugs and prepared them for submission to the Quezon Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination to confirm their chemical composition.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are now working to determine where the suspected cocaine came from, how it reached the area, and whether a wider drug network may be involved.
“We are determined to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and ensure that all persons responsible will be held accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.
“Patuloy nating tututukan ang imbestigasyon upang malaman kung saan ito nanggaling at kung sino ang nasa likod nito,” he added.
The PNP said the case forms part of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs under its Enhanced Managing Police Operations, with emphasis on proper evidence handling, case build-up and deeper investigative work.
Authorities said further investigation and laboratory validation are ongoing.