By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – Anti-illegal drug operatives seized PHP6.6 billion worth of shabu in a laboratory discovered inside a warehouse in Valenzuela City over the weekend.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Isagani Nerez said the laboratory was discovered after a suspect was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City on Sunday.
The suspect was apprehended after selling 500 grams of shabu, worth approximately PHP3.4 million to an undercover operative disguised as a buyer.
Nerez said the transaction led authorities to the discovery of the shabu laboratory, which he said had been the subject of sustained intelligence monitoring stemming from previous anti-drug operations.
“This is one of the most significant drug laboratory discoveries in recent years,” Nerez said. “The volume of shabu seized represents nearly one metric ton that would have otherwise flooded communities across Metro Manila and beyond.”
The raid yielded 906.4064 kg. of shabu worth over PHP6.16 billion and 64.15 liters of liquid methamphetamine valued at PHP436.22 million, along with other controlled precursors and essential chemicals, as well as assorted laboratory equipment used in the manufacture of dangerous drugs.
“Part of our drug supply reduction efforts is to target clandestine laboratories which strikes at the very heart of the illegal drug supply chain, crippling distribution networks before the illegal drugs can reach the streets,” Nerez said.
The PDEA chief commended the steadfast cooperation of Valenzuela City officials led by Mayor Wes Gatchalian and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the successful operation.
“This operation demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies and local governments stand together against the drug menace,” Nerez said.
Gatchalian, during the same briefing, admitted that he was surprised that a shabu laboratory was discovered in Valenzuela, which he said houses some 15,000 factories and warehouses.
“Because of this incident — aaminin ko na nagulat ako dahil sa kalakihan nitong magnitude at hindi ko naisip na magkakaroon ng isang clandestine laboratory dito sa Valenzuela — lalo pa naming dadalasan and inspection (I admit the magnitude of this operation surprised me as I didn’t think Valenzuela could house a clandestine laboratory, we will conduct inspections more often),” he said.
No one was arrested inside the warehouse when the raid took place, but PNP Drug Enforcement Group chief Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay said they have identified three to four suspects and have filed complaints against them.
“Meron na tayong na-identify na other personalities. Of course, we cannot disclose their identities, but cases have been filed and as instructed by Usec Nerez ay hindi pa po tapos ang trabaho na ito, we will resort to manhunt operations once lumabas yung mga warrant (We have identified some personalities but we cannot disclose their identities, but cases have been filed and as instructed by Undersecretary Nerez, this work is not yet finished. We will resort to manhunt operations once the warrants are issued),” he said. (PNA)
