DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 24, 2014) – Local mayor Rodrigo Duterte has ordered an investigation into the seized shipment of cocaine discovered in a false ceiling of a refrigerated container van at a wharf in Davao City in southern Philippines.
Authorities estimated the market value of the illegal drugs to be more than P130 million, but the shocking discovery has surprised Duterte who has previously issued a strong warning against drug dealers operating in Davao City.
The high-grade cocaine was accidentally discovered during inspection after a hole tore through the ceiling and exposed the bricked drugs, but Duterte said there could be more and told police to further investigate the illegal shipment.
Duterte urged those who have information about the shipment or anyone having in their possession the drugs to surrender it to the police. It was unknown who was behind the illegal shipment.
In 2009, authorities in Davao City also seized a shipment of cocaine worth over P50 million. (Mindanao Examiner)
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