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. 
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