Pubdate: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines) Copyright: 2005 Philippine Daily Inquirer Contact: http://www.inquirer.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1073 Author: Luige A. del Puerto Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines DRUG SYNDICATES NOW IMPORTING 'SHABU,' SAYS PNP NARCS CHIEF RECENT high-profile raids of shabu laboratories in the country have prompted drug syndicates to import methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known as shabu, instead of manufacturing the banned substance here, according to the police's anti-narcotics czar. "I'm not saying there are no more shabu laboratories here," said Director Marcelo Ele Jr., head of the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force. "The drug laboratories might still be there, but they might not be operating," he pointed out. Ele said the risk of operating here has become higher for drug syndicates. "One, they will not risk exposing their chemists. Two, the risk of smuggling the drugs in is lesser," he said. The logical conclusion, he said, is for drug syndicates to import finished products to sustain their multibillion-peso business. In recent years, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has dismantled drug laboratories in the country which are some of the biggest in Southeast Asia. Since 2002, PDEA, working closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies, has seized nearly P40 billion worth of illegal drugs, chemicals and equipment, and uncovered some 30 clandestine laboratories and 21 chemical warehouses nationwide. Ele said his office has already coordinated with the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Immigration, and other government agencies in charge of securing the country's air and seaports, adding these are where the action would be. - ---