The Philippine National Police (PNP) were alarmed by the discovery of an alleged 'shabu laboratory' in Tanza, Cavite, which authorities may not have uncovered if not for an explosion at the facility.
In an interview with the media on Thursday, PNP Spokesperson and PRO-3 Regional Director PBGen. Jean Fajardo stated that it has been a long time since the police have apprehended any illegal drug manufacturing facilities in the region.
She further mentioned that large quantities of shabu are often intercepted by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and seized as they pass through various ports.
Fajardo mentioned that the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have intensified their intelligence gathering to determine if there are more shabu laboratories operating in the country.
Moreover, the PNP continues its investigation to identify those behind the operation of the reported laboratory, which is alleged to involve foreign nationals.
"We'll have to asess. The PNP will have to really investigate whether ito nga ba ay - unang-una shabu nga ba itong tinatangka nilang lutuin o sinasabing i-manifacture doon sa lugar," said Fajardo,
"Kasi nga it's too early [na malaman] kung anong bang klaseng substance 'yung narecover doon," she added.
On January 29, an explosion led to the discovery of a shabu laboratory in a residential area in Tanza, Cavite, where the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) found various equipment, paraphernalia, and chemicals used in the production of shabu.
The drug lab had gone unnoticed before the explosion, although neighbors reported that couriers frequently visited the house for deliveries.
