Five Hong Kong nationals arrested in Muntinlupa drug raid

MANILA, Philippines — Five Hong Kong nationals, all believed to be chemists, were arrested following a raid in a “medium-scale” illegal drugs laboratory inside an executive subdivision in Muntinlupa City early Friday, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) spokesperson said.

Evangeline Almenario said that operatives of PDEA raided the suspected drug laboratory in 504 Street, Acacia Avenue, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City around 6:25 a.m. by virtue of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Dela Cruz of Branch 22 of the Regional Trial Court of Manila.

Almenario identified the arrested suspects as Ken Ming Chao a.k.a Lam Tse Kin, 24; Lam Ka Chun, 51; Choi Yiu Kit, 33; Choi Yiu Chun, 33; Kwok Chi Keung, 42.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police spokesman, Chief Superintend Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that evidences recovered of still undetermined worth were plastic container drums containing suspected chemical precursors, several processing equipment, and a glass container believed to be containing “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

PDEA Director General Jose Gutierrez in a report over Radyo Inquirer 990AM said the laboratory was medium size and has the capacity to produce 10 kilograms of shabu in two days.

Authorities are still in the area conducting further investigation and inventory, Almenaro said. Erwin Aguilon, Radyo Inquirer 990AM

Originally posted 12:15 p.m.