Anti-narcotics operatives dismantled a suspected clandestine drug laboratory believed to be producing shabu in Antipolo City, Rizal, early Sunday morning, seizing an estimated P900,000 worth of illegal drugs.
In its initial report, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 4A (PDEA-4A) said its agents and Rizal policemen also arrested the alleged caretaker of the lab, identified only as ‘Joel,’ 40, during the operation around 2 a.m. in Barangay San Jose.
Authorities said two other suspects – identified by their aliases ‘Jazz,’ a Korean-American national, and ‘Pai’ – remain at large.
The report did not provide further details of the operation, except that it was a buy-bust.
Confiscated from the site were 300 grams of suspected shabu valued at P900,000; three plastic bottles containing liquid believed to be methamphetamine chloride; other liquid substances suspected to be controlled precursors and essential chemicals; and various drug paraphernalia and laboratory equipment.
PDEA classified the suspects as ‘high-value’ targets under the government’s intensified anti-drug campaign.
The arrested caretaker is now under PDEA custody and will face complaints for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and other related laws.