VALENZUELA CITY — Authorities dismantled a large clandestine shabu laboratory and seized illegal drugs and chemicals worth ₱6.6 billion inside a warehouse in Barangay Veinte Reales, Valenzuela City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced on Wednesday.

According to PDEA, the operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) during a buy-bust at an industrial park on February 22. A 30-year-old suspect, identified only by the alias “JP,” was arrested around 4:15 a.m. after allegedly selling 500 grams of shabu valued at ₱3.4 million to an undercover operative. The transaction led authorities to a nearby warehouse that had been under surveillance following intelligence reports.

Inside the facility, operatives discovered large quantities of finished shabu, precursor chemicals, and laboratory equipment used for large-scale drug manufacturing. PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo said the bust was one of the biggest in recent years, describing it as a major blow to drug syndicates operating in Metro Manila. “This operation dismantled a facility capable of producing billions worth of shabu. It is a significant victory in our fight against illegal drugs,” Lazo stated.

Authorities believe the laboratory was part of a wider network supplying methamphetamine across Luzon. The suspect is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The seizure comes amid renewed government efforts to intensify anti-drug operations while emphasizing rehabilitation and prevention programs. Officials said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and trace the distribution channels of the seized drugs.

This latest raid underscores the continuing challenge posed by large-scale drug manufacturing in the Philippines, even as authorities push to dismantle networks and prevent illegal substances from reaching communities.

Photo courtesy of PDEA