Is China Moving Meth?

Sidebar: Floating Shabu Raises Alarms in West Philippine Sea

On June 7, 2025, authorities in Pangasinan reported the discovery of 21 packs of suspected shabu, a local term for methamphetamine hydrochloride, floating in the waters of the West Philippine Sea (Manila Bulletin, 2025). This illicit drug, commonly known as meth or crystal meth, is a highly addictive stimulant that poses significant health and societal risks. The find has sparked concerns about the intersection of illegal drug trafficking and maritime security in this geopolitically sensitive region.

Shabu is a crystalline substance typically smoked, snorted, or injected, known for its intense euphoric effects and severe side effects, including addiction, psychosis, and organ damage. In the Philippines, it is a major driver of crime and public health challenges, with the government waging a long-standing campaign against its proliferation (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency [PDEA], 2023). The discovery of shabu in the West Philippine Sea, an area already fraught with territorial disputes involving China, suggests that traffickers may be exploiting the region’s contested waters to evade detection.

The presence of floating drugs off Pangasinan is problematic for several reasons. First, it indicates potential gaps in maritime surveillance, as traffickers may be using the vast and disputed waters to transport narcotics undetected. The West Philippine Sea’s strategic importance, coupled with frequent tensions between Philippine and Chinese vessels, complicates enforcement efforts (Inquirer.net, 2025). Second, the environmental impact of drugs in the sea threatens marine ecosystems and could contaminate fishing grounds, a vital livelihood for coastal communities. Finally, the incident underscores the broader challenge of transnational crime, as drug trafficking networks may be leveraging regional disputes to operate with impunity.

Authorities, including the Philippine Coast Guard and PDEA, are investigating the origin of the shabu and its intended destination, with initial theories suggesting it may have been jettisoned by traffickers during a chase or storm (Manila Bulletin, 2025). This incident highlights the need for enhanced maritime patrols and international cooperation to combat both territorial violations and illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.

References

Inquirer.net. (2025, May 29). West Philippine Sea. https://www.inquirer.net

Manila Bulletin. (2025, June 7). West Philippine Sea in Pangasinan yields more floating shabu. https://mb.com.ph

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. (2023). Drug situation in the Philippines. https://pdea.gov.ph