Joint law enforcement agencies seized illegal drugs with an estimated street value of P272 million during an anti-narcotics operation at Batangas Port on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Batangas, working with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) Seaport Interdiction Unit and Coast Guard K9 Unit, intercepted the contraband concealed within four audio speakers during a routine inspection.

The substances were being transported by a 30-year-old resident of Cotabato City who had disembarked from a passenger vessel at the port.

Authorities became suspicious when the man had difficulty unloading one of the speakers, prompting the K9 team to conduct a detailed search that uncovered several boxes of suspected illegal drugs hidden within the equipment.

Batangas Port serves as the primary gateway between Luzon and Mindoro provinces, handling thousands of passengers daily.

Ferry services operate regularly between Batangas and various Mindoro destinations including Calapan, Puerto Galera, and Roxas, with trips taking one to two hours depending on the route.

The busy sea lane is used by commuters, cargo transporters, and tourists heading to Mindoro’s popular beach destinations. Multiple shipping companies provide up to nine daily departures during peak seasons.

The arrested suspect remains in PDEA custody and will face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The seized items have been transported to PDEA’s National Headquarters in Quezon City for laboratory examination.

The seizure is among the largest drug busts recorded at Batangas Port this year, reflecting increased security measures at the facility.