Pubdate: Wed, 22 Mar 2006
Source: Daily Tribune, The (Philippines)
Copyright: 2006 The Tribune Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact:  http://www.tribune.net.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2973
Author: Jun P. Yap
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)

COPS RAID SHABU BODEGA IN QUIAPO; 50 ARRESTED

Another drug syndicate allegedly distributing methamphetamine
hydrochloride (shabu) in Manila's University Belt area was believed
busted after elements of the Manila Police District (MPD) raided its
warehouse in Quiapo early morning yesterday.

MPD investigators said the warehouse, located right behind the
Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) campus in Quiapo,
yielded 30 kilos of shabu with a street value of P7.5 million.

"We are evaluating the effects of our operation now. We are going
after the suspected mastermind but I cannot name that mastermind
because we are now conducting follow-up operations," MPD Station 3
Commander Romulo Sapitula told dzBB radio.

The alleged mastermind reportedly escaped through the nearby Carlos
Palanca Street.

The warehouse had metal doors and a surveillance camera that allows
the ring members to see people passing through the area.

The operatives said they had to use welding equipment to enter the
premises.

Upon entering, the MPD operatives even encountered multiple doors
apparently leading to several compartments inside the compound.

Sapitula said his men will conduct similar raids in the
future.

Yesterday's raid was a joint operation with the Special Weapons and
Tactics (SWAT) unit of the MPD.

Initially picked up for questioning in the raid were at least 50
persons, including one Jenny Reyes, whom Sapitula described as the
mastermind's right-hand man.

"Our intelligence information shows this group distributes shabu in
the University Belt area," he said.

Meanwhile, latest reports said four alleged members of the syndicate
returned to the place later in the day believing there were no more
policemen around.

When they spotted policemen were still posted in the area, an
encounter ensued, resulting in the death of one of the suspects,
police said. 
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MAP posted-by: Tom