Pubdate: Fri, 13 Dec 2002
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: 2002, The Manila Times
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: Joshua Dancel

DILG TAPS LGUS TO FIND SHABU LABS

THE Department of Interior and Local Government will use the local
government's authority to conduct business, fire, and sanitary inspections
to ferret out shabu laboratories in Metro Manila.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. said yesterday mayors
in the metropolis could use the inspection to search warehouses, commercial
buildings, and factories without a warrant.

Lina told Malacanang reporters could always use their "visitorial powers" in
making sure that all buildings in Metro Manila comply with the necessary
fire safety requirements.

The Bureau of Fire Protection would lead the inspection, added Lina.

The inspections, Lina said, could be used as an additional weapon in the
fight against illegal drugs.

Valenzuela Mayor Emmanuel Carlos was the first to comply with Lina's order.
City Administrator Carmelita Lozada said the mayor ordered the local
business permit department to inspect all warehouses within the city the
other day.

Carlos' order came after local firemen accidentally stumbled upon a shabu
laboratory inside a warehouse while fighting a blaze on Monday afternoon.
The said lab is believed to be the largest of its kind discovered in Metro
Manila. Authorities estimate the haul is worth P2.2 billion.
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk