Laboratory equipment were among the items seized by law enforcement in the aftermath of a blast that resulted in the discovery of a kitchen-type shabu laboratory in Tanza, Cavite in this undated photo. A manhunt is ongoing for four suspects believed to be the operators of the clandestine laboratory. (Photo courtesy of PDEA)
A powerful explosion in a residential compound in Tanza, Cavite led authorities to the shocking discovery of a kitchen-type methamphetamine (shabu) laboratory, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed Thursday.
The blast occurred around 6 a.m. on Tuesday along Leon Fojas Street, Barangay Sahud-Ulan, drawing the attention of local police and emergency responders. Upon investigating the damaged house, law enforcement officers found an array of drug paraphernalia, equipment, and various chemicals suspected to be used in the manufacture of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).
A joint search operation conducted by the PDEA and Cavite police uncovered additional illegal drugs hidden within the premises. The authorities have since launched a search for four suspects believed to be involved in the clandestine drug operation:
- A Filipino woman
- A Chinese-looking individual
- Two Indonesian nationals
All drug-related evidence has been sent to the PDEA Laboratory for analysis. In contrast, non-drug evidence is being examined by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory in Region 4-A (Calabarzon).
PDEA stated that once apprehended, the suspects will be charged under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which carries severe penalties for those involved in drug manufacturing and trafficking.
In a separate operation, a 24-year-old drug courier was arrested late Wednesday night at a police checkpoint in Barangay 171, Caloocan City.
Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), reported that the suspect, identified by the alias Jonathan, was initially stopped at the Northern Police District checkpoint for failing to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle with a courier bag.
Instead of complying, Jonathan attempted to flee, triggering a high-speed chase. He was quickly intercepted by officers, leading to his arrest and the discovery of a massive haul of illegal drugs, including:
- 12 kg of marijuana in various forms
- 60 pieces of suspected ecstasy tablets
- 2 grams of cocaine
- Multiple bottles of liquid marijuana
The total estimated street value of the confiscated narcotics is around P1.57 million.
Jonathan is currently in police custody and is set to face multiple charges, including violations of the Revised Penal Code (for disobedience to authorities) and Republic Act 9165, which penalizes the possession, distribution, and transportation of illegal drugs. He has been turned over for inquest proceedings before the Caloocan City Judicial Office.
Both incidents highlight the growing complexity of drug operations in the Philippines, with criminals using advanced methods to manufacture and distribute narcotics. Law enforcement agencies vow to intensify their crackdown to dismantle these illegal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.