Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Usec. Isagani Nerez clarified on Thursday, October 22, that there is no evidence indicating that the vessel carrying 1,178 kilograms of shabu seized in Thailand was bound for the Philippines.
During a hearing of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, Nerez said he specifically sought evidence linking the vessel to the Philippines during a meeting with Malaysian counterparts two days earlier.
“It was also a talking point in our Malaysian meeting two days ago. I specifically asked for any evidence that this vessel is bound for the Philippines and there none,” Nerez said.
He cautioned against concluding that the vessel was headed to the country without supporting evidence.
“It is not safe to say that this vessel will come to the Philippines,” he added.
Despite the lack of evidence linking the shipment to the Philippines, Nerez assured lawmakers that the PDEA would take action if the vessel entered Philippine waters and was found to be carrying illegal drugs.
The clarification comes after Thai authorities seized the 1,178-kilogram shabu shipment, raising questions about its intended destination and possible links to the Philippines.
Nerez stressed that authorities must rely on evidence before establishing the vessel’s destination or any connection to the country.
