Blast gives away Cavite drug lab

SEIZED EVIDENCE Different drugs and paraphernalia were among the things found in a house that doubled as a kitchen-type drug laboratory in Tanza, Cavite. —PDEA CALABARZON/FACEBOOK

An explosion led authorities to a drug laboratory that had been operating secretly in Tanza, Cavite, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Thursday.

Following the explosion that happened around 6 a.m. on Jan. 28 in a house on Leon Fojas Street in Barangay Sahud-Ulan, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel found at the scene illegal drug manufacturing equipment, paraphernalia and chemicals. They immediately contacted PDEA and the police.

“Upon further search, various types of dangerous drugs were also found on-site,” PDEA said in a statement.

Four suspects, including a Filipino woman and two Indonesians, are currently being tracked by operatives for possible violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act, PDEA added.

Possible case

The drugs found at the scene were taken to the PDEA laboratory to be examined by chemists. The other pieces of evidence, on the other hand, were turned over to a Philippine National Police laboratory in Region IV-A.

A case for violation of Section 8 (manufacture of dangerous drugs and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals) of Article II under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act is being readied for filing against the suspects.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told reporters at Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday that an investigation into the drug laboratory was ongoing.

“We have recovered some pieces of evidence that could help lead us to those operating this alleged kitchen-type laboratory,” Fajardo said.

She added that the PNP and PDEA have intensified their operations against those manufacturing illegal drugs in the country.

“We will not allow these kinds of manufacturing sites to flourish, which will become a big problem, not only for the PNP, but also for the community itself,” Fajardo said.

Earlier this month, PDEA reported that the value of seized illegal drugs in 2024 was worth P21.43 billion, up by 32 percent compared with the P21.43 billion seized in 2023.

It also said that a total of 51,264 drug personalities were arrested in 38,545 operations last year.

“These substantial seizures are a testament to the government’s efforts to actively pursue high-level drug traffickers and organized criminal networks involved in the country’s illegal drug trade,” PDEA added.