Manhunt on for Valenzuela shabu lab operators

MANILA, Philippines —  A manhunt is underway for members of a drug ring responsible for a shabu laboratory in Valenzuela where 906 kilos of shabu valued at P6.16 billion were discovered, the Philippine National Police announced yesterday.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered the Drug Enforcement Group to intensify intelligence monitoring to determine if there are other shabu laboratories in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

“We will leave no stone unturned in tracking down every person connected to this drug ring,” Nartatez said.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the PNP dismantled the shabu laboratory in Barangay Veinte Reales, Valenzuela on Feb. 22.

PDEA chief Isagani Nerez said the contraband was discovered after a suspected drug pusher, known only as John, was arrested near the facility.

Authorities discovered 906 kilos of shabu, five drums of liquid methamphetamine hydrochloride and other controlled precursors.

Nerez said the existence of the shabu laboratory was revealed only yesterday as the PDEA and PNP took three days to complete the drug inventory.

He said at least four people believed to be responsible for operating the shabu laboratory have been identified. They remain at large.

Valenzuela Mayor Weslie Gatchalian said the owner of the warehouse leased the property to a group of foreigners sometime in March or April last year.

While city hall regularly conducts random inspections, Gatchalian admitted they could not monitor the activities of over 15,000 warehouses and factories in Valenzuela.