Raid on ‘Shabu’ Lab with Alleged Links to Mexican Drug Ring

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) before dawn Wednesday raided a ‘shabu’ laboratory and arrested two Canadians and a Filipino alleged to be members of an international drug ring connected with Mexican drug syndicate.

The NBI nabbed Canadians James Riach and Barry Espadilla and a Filipino known as Tristan Olazo during a raid at a condominium unit in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.

Reports said the three were arrested inside a ‘kitchen-type’ ‘shabu’ and cocaine laboratory inside the condominium unit, where drug paraphernalia were also confiscated. The NBI was also able to seize from the suspects machines used to replicate ATM and credit cards.

Authorities also seized from the laboratory finished narcotic products identified as cocaine, shabu and ecstasy, as well as drug paraphernalia like heaters, sealers, weighing scales, flasks, and other laboratory equipment.

Justice secretary Leila De Lima said the arrested suspects allegedly operates by importing material from Mexico, process them into shabu, cocaine, and ecstacy, and distribute them at night clubs and bars.

De Lima reportedly quoted NBI reports saying the syndicate is known to have been operating in the Philippines for about seven months already.

Authorities also confirmed Riach and Espadilla as members of a “dreaded crime gang” in Canada who have been convicted there for various crimes.

Gma News’ John Consulta reported the ‘shabu’ laboratory as ‘high tech’ where the suspects were able to conceal the chemical fumes while operating.

Consulta added the illegal drugs were transported in and out of the condominium building thru sealed kitchenware.

The NBI also have in its custody the suspects’ cellphones which are now being inspected to lead more information on illegal drug manufacturers operating in Metro Manila, reports said.

Source: Gma News Online

Image Credit: www.rappler.com