MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police on Sunday clarified that what it first reported as P1.3-billion worth of “shabu” seized in Parañaque City turned out to be ephedrine.
Chief Inspector Roque Merdegia, a spokesperson for the anti-illegal drugs special operations task force (AIDSOTF), in a text message to media, said they were surprised when the laboratory tests showed that the 10 sacks seized in Barangay (village) Don Galo in Parañaque contained ephedrine and not shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).
“Despite this, the operation was still a major accomplishment of the government against drugs since ephedrine is classified as (a) dangerous drug under DDB (Dangerous Drugs Board) Regulation no. 4, series of 2005,” he said.
Merdegia said the initial field test on the drugs was a “false positive,” which he said usually happens “due to various factors.”
He also said the 248 kilos of ephedrine, worth P397 million may also be used to create 186 kilos of shabu.
“The big haul of ephedrine is a strong indication that the group of the suspects has yet to process the drug to produce either shabu or ephedrine tablets or capsules in a clandestine laboratory,” he said.
He said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the PNP-AIDSOTF “will use all available resources and leave no stone unturned to find immediately this clandestine lab.”
The four people who were found on the van carrying the drugs will still face similar non-bailable offenses for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act. They will be charged for transporting, conspiracy in transporting and possessing illegal drugs.
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