These bricks of alleged cocaine were discovered by two fishermen in the waters off Cagayan province on Monday (March 21) afternoon. (Photo courtesy of PNP-Maritime Group)

By Villamor Visaya Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer Correspondent and Philippine News Agency Stringer

TUGUEGARAO CITY — Two fishermen recovered three bricks of alleged cocaine worth P17 million from the waters off Abulug and Ballesteros towns in Cagayan province on Monday (March 21) afternoon, authorities said.

Brig. Gen. Steve Ludan, Cagayan Valley regional police director, said the illegal drugs weighed around three kilos and were found by fishermen floating about in the water around 1: 30 p.m.

Ludan said the bricks were wrapped in transparent plastic packing tape and black rubber.

The fishermen turned over the bricks of alleged cocaine to Aparri village head Erwin Lobas, who brought them with him to the Philippine National Police-Maritime headquarters when he reported the incident.

Ludan said the contraband was brought to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency laboratory for examination.#