‘Batangas shabu haul did not come from China’

MANILA, Philippines — The 1.4 tons of shabu valued at P9.68 billion seized in Alitagtag, Batangas last week did not originate from drug rings based in China, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The markings on the illegal drugs were different from shabu placed in tea bags with Chinese characters that were confiscated in previous law enforcement operations, PNP information officer Col. Jean Fajardo told a news forum yesterday.

The illegal drugs seized in previous anti-narcotics operations were linked to the Chinese-run Golden Triangle based in China and Hong Kong.

Fajardo said the PNP has leads on where the illegal drugs originated, but refused to give details.

“We are in close coordination with our international counterparts to determine if the 1.4 tons of shabu were intended for the Philippines or international markets,” she said.

Meanwhile, a manhunt for the owners of two sport utility vehicles linked to the drug haul is underway.

A Filipino is said to be the first owner of a white Ford Explorer and a black Toyota Land Cruise found 400 meters apart in Barangay Sta. Lucia in San Luis, Pampanga on April 21.

Two Canadians, who are also being hunted, reportedly bought the vehicles.

Probers are coordinating with the Bureau of Customs and Land Transportation Office to trace the ownership of the vehicles.

The two SUVs and a yacht were suspected to have transported the illegal drugs seized at a police checkpoint.

Fajardo said the owners of the two SUVs had been identified.