PDEA denies drug shipment intercepted by Thailand was PH-bound

MANILA — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has pushed back against assertions linking a large drug seizure in Thai waters to the domestic market, citing a lack of concrete evidence.

PDEA Director Isagani Nerez said Thursday that it would be premature to conclude that a vessel carrying more than one ton of shabu intercepted by Thai authorities was headed for Philippine shores. The agency cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions without substantiating details about the cargo's intended destination.

Thailand's maritime authorities intercepted the drug-laden vessel, but Nerez emphasized that the interception alone does not establish a clear link to the Philippines. The PDEA chief noted that such large shipments typically traverse multiple routes and may be destined for various markets across the region.

The statement reflects the PDEA's commitment to verifying drug-related intelligence before making public pronouncements. Officials said they would continue coordinating with Thai counterparts to gather additional information about the case as investigations proceed.