Shabu lab case 4th witness confirms seized items are for making shabu

The prosecution yesterday fielded its fourth witness, and the samples of the chemicals taken during the raid at a warehouse in Umapad, Mandaue City, that authorities have alleged as a large laboratory for the making of shabu.

S/Insp Mutchit Salinas, of the Philippine National Police Regional Crime Laboratory, testified in court that she was one of the members of the team that conducted the examination of all chemicals and other equipment seized in the raid.

Salinas confirmed that the seized items, especially the chemicals, were essentials in the manufacture of shabu. She then presented a sketch and photographs of the equipment confiscated and chemicals found in the raided place.

Salinas told senior state prosecutor Archimedes Manabat that some of the equipment were hydrogenators and scrubber, both of which were necessary tools in the making of the illegal drug.

The testimony of Salinas further buttressed the testimonies of three previous witnesses: PNP crime laboratory chief Myrna Arreola, Insp. Alexander Patriana and Jude Daniel Mendoza.

The defense panel subsequently manifested in court its desire to cross-examine Manabat in the next hearing on August 18 and 19.

Regional Trial Court-Mandaue City Judge Marilyn Yap also announced that the arraignment of suspected drug pusher financier Calvin Tan is on this coming July 28. - Jose P. Sollano