PNP orders probe on P34.5 million cocaine in Quezon

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police has launched an investigation on the presence of cocaine in Patnanungan town in Quezon, the PNP said over the weekend.

The probe came after a 52-year-old resident surrendered five tape-sealed bags of the drug, valued at P34.5 million.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said investigators are working to determine how the drug ended up in the island town and to identify those responsible.

Investigators said the substance weighed 6,514.7 grams and had an estimated street value of P34,528,387.

Probers are tracing the source of the suspected illegal drugs and determining how the contraband came into the possession of the man who surrendered the bags.