POLICE URGE LANDOWNERS: CHECK TENANTS FOR DRUGS

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Ricardo
F. De Leon yesterday urged property owners leasing their premises to
conduct their periodic inspection to ensure that the properties are
not being used for illegal businesses by their tenants.

He said another clandestine shabu laboratory was raided yesterday in
Quezon City, resulting in the seizure of R60 million worth of
processed shabu, three tons of ephedrine, and 26 packs of marijuana
leaves.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo commended the joint teams of the
Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force (AIDSOTF), headed by
Supt. Eduardo Acierto; the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA),
and the National Capital Region Police Office for the confiscation of
30 kilograms of the finished methamphetamine hydrochloride product,
approximately 3,700 kilograms of ephedrine, the main chemical used in
the manufacture of shabu, placed inside 148 sacks, 26 packs of
marijuana, several Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks, and heavy equipment.

The President expressed confidence that relentless operations against
drug syndicates will eventually lead to the eradication of the drug
menace.

The bust was conducted by the police team at 193 Scout Chuatoco St.,
Barangay Obrero, Quezon City, at around 6 yesterday morning, by virtue
of a seach warrant issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court
Executive Judge Natividad Dizon. During investigation, it was learned
that the premises are owned by a certain Mrs. Miranda, who when
questioned, said that she has leased the property to a foreign
national. However, during the raid, the suspect was gone.

De Leon said the NCRPO has teamed up with the lead drug agencies for
a manhunt against the suspect responsible for maintaining the shabu
manufacturing facility.

He urged property owners to ensure that the tenants are using their
land or houses for legitimate purposes and immediately coordinate with
the police if their tenants are using the premises in illegal trade.

"As landowners, they can help the police by simply conducting regular
inspections in their properties. This can be of big help to the police
who cannot freely conduct checks on individual persons and property
without first securing the necessary authorization," the NCRPO
director said. He warned persons involved in the illegal drug trade
that the long arm of the law will catch up on them and that they would
just make it easier for themselves by putting a stop to their
nefarious activities.