Shabu chemicals seized from Tondo warehouse

Some 130 boxes of thionyl hydrochloride, a chemical used in manufacturing shabu were seized from a warehouse in Tondo, Manila yesterday.

The seized chemicals, which can produce some 1,000 kilos of high grade shabu, were discovered in a raid conducted by joint elements of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. were among those who were present during the raid on the warehouse located along San Pedro street, Balut, Tondo.

Ruel Lasala of the NBI-Anti-Illegal Drug Task Force said the raid was carried out by virtue of the search warrant issued by Manila Executive Judge Enrico Lanzanas of Regional Trial Court Branch 7.

Lasala said NBI agents had placed the area under surveillance three weeks ago following reports that it was being used to store illegal drugs.

After verifying reports, Lasala said NBI agents applied and eventually secured warrants to search the area.

According to Lasala, the chemicals came from China and placed in cans with bamboo shoots and fresh meat to prevent them from being detected.

"There are 12 cans in a box, so there are 1,560 cans in all. This is really a big haul and a big accomplishment in the government’s effort to stop shabu proliferation in the country," Lasala said.

After the raid, raiders apprehended the caretaker, identified as Consuelo Estrada, who claimed that she was only commissioned to maintain the place. – Cecille Suerte Felipe