DOJ backs expanding inquiry on shabu lab

An expanded investigation that will identify local counterparts of the foreign nationals convicted last month for operating a shabu laboratory in Mandaue City will be backed by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters in Cebu that the government will intensify its drive against illegal drugs.

“If there are personalities who served as accomplices of the drug syndicate, then by all means let’s investigate,” she said.

Former Cebu City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco said DOJ representatives will come to Cebu  tomorrow to discuss the possible testimony of one of the convicts against their local counterparts.

Cuenco, who authored the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs law, said the representatives will try to seize the dollar deposits of Calvin Tan, the convicted  financier of the the shabu laboratory.

He said the local contacts are “equally liable” with the convicts.

Cuenco said one of the foreign convicts earlier voiced willingness to identify the local contacts as long as he would be made a  state witness.

He said he would try to  request for the commutation of sentence of the foreigner.

But Cuenco said it would be difficult to free him because he was already convicted.

“We really need to show a firm resolve in running after drug syndicates. Really, drug trafficking is one of the most serious problems in the country,” de Lima said.

Last January, nine foreigners and two Filipinos were convicted for the operation of a “mega shabu laboratory”  in Mandaue City in 2004.

Seized during the Sept. 24, 2004 raid were 675 kilograms of high-grade  shabu  worth P1.3 billion.

The Mandaue City-based drug ring operated in a rented warehouse used for “cooking” the  shabu.

Chemicals on site were enough to make 15 more tons, making it one of the biggest  laboratories  in the country. Two other sites in Mandaue were identifed as locations for drying and packaging shabu.