DRUG enforcers seized P2 billion worth of chemicals for making methamphetamine, locally called shabu, in Cagayan and arrested a Chinese national possessing 30 kilos of shabu in Angeles City in separate operations, the authorities reported Saturday.
The liquid substances believed to be used for producing shabu was found at a bushy area at the boundary of Barangay Ayaga in Ballesteros, Cagayan and Barangay Malekkeg in Sta. Marcela, Apayao on Friday morning.
The lawmen found chloroform and ether, both ingredients of methamphetamine, in 14 six-gallon jugs after a concerned citizen reported finding the chemicals which is enough to make P1.9 billion worth of shabu.
The drug enforcers, who asked not be identified, suspect that the newly-found chemicals were part of the chemical stash of a shabu laboratory in Lasam, Cagayan that the authorities raided and shut down in February 2015.
On July 4, police Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) also recovered 180 kilos of shabu, worth P900 million, at an uninhabited farm, owned by Rene Dimaya, in Claveria, Cagayan, the first major shabu haul during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.Meanwhile, drug enforcers in Central Luzon arrested Chinese tourist Chen Yiye, 42, who was found in possession of 30 kilos of shabu at his residence at Hensonville Subdivision in Angeles City at about 4:30 p.m.
The 30 kilos of shabu were concealed in several tea bags that were found inside Chen’s residence. Several weighing scales were also found at the residence.
The suspect was arrested on the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Bernilito Fernandez of the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City.
The suspect was brought to the Quezon City office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for further documentation and disposition.
