An explosion in Tanza, Cavite, led to the discovery of a kitchen-type shabu laboratory on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The blast occurred around 6 a.m. on Leon Fojas Street in Barangay Sahud-Ulan, shaking a residential area. Responding officers found various drug paraphernalia, equipment, and chemicals inside the house, which was believed to be operating as a shabu laboratory.
A search by PDEA and local police uncovered several types of illegal drugs. Authorities are now pursuing four suspects: a Filipino woman, a Chinese-looking individual, and two Indonesians.
The recovered drug evidence has been sent to the PDEA Laboratory for analysis, while non-drug items are being processed by the Philippine National Police Laboratory in Region 4-A (Calabarzon).
The suspects face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).
Meanwhile, a 24-year-old drug courier was arrested in Caloocan City on Wednesday night.
National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said the suspect, identified as “Jonathan,” was caught carrying PHP1.57 million worth of illegal drugs during a checkpoint in Barangay 171 at around 11:45 p.m. The suspect was initially flagged for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle but attempted to flee when approached by officers.
Police intercepted the suspect and seized 12 kilograms of suspected marijuana, 60 pieces of ecstasy tablets, 2 grams of suspected cocaine, and multiple bottles of suspected liquid marijuana.
The suspect is now in police custody and is facing charges related to the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 9165. (PNA)