By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – An explosion led to the discovery of a kitchen-type shabu laboratory in Tanza, Cavite, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Thursday.
In a statement, PDEA said the blast rocked a residential compound at about 6 a.m. Tuesday, along Leon Fojas Street in Barangay Sahud-Ulan.
Responding officers then found various drug paraphernalia, equipment and various types of suspected chemicals inside the house.
A search by PDEA and the local police also resulted in the discovery of various types of illegal drugs.
A manhunt is ongoing against four suspects – a Filipino woman, a Chinese-looking individual and two Indonesians.
The pieces of drug evidence recovered have been brought to the PDEA Laboratory and are being examined while non-drug evidence is under the Philippine National Police Laboratory in Region 4-A (Calabarzon).
The PDEA said the suspects would face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Drug courier falls in Caloocan
Meanwhile, a 24-year-old male drug courier was arrested in Caloocan City late Wednesday.
In a statement, National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the suspect, alias Jonathan, was caught carrying PHP1.57 million worth of illegal drugs at a checkpoint by the Northern Police District in Barangay 171 at about 11:45 p.m.
The suspect was initially flagged down while riding a motorcycle with a courier bag for not wearing a helmet.
Instead of stopping, he attempted to flee the checkpoint but was swiftly intercepted by police officers.
Seized from the suspect were 12 kg. of suspected marijuana in various forms, 60 pieces of suspected ecstasy tablets, 2 grams of suspected cocaine and multiple bottles of suspected liquid marijuana.
The suspect is now under police custody and has been turned over for inquest proceedings before the Caloocan City Judicial Office for violations of the Revised Penal Code (Disobedience of Persons in Authority or his Agents) and RA 9165. (PNA)
