P40-million shabu, ammo seized in Binondo hotel

MANILA, Philippines — Police seized P40 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and at least 20,000 assorted bullets during a raid on a hotel room – occupied by a Taiwanese man suspected of gunrunning – in Binondo, Manila yesterday morning.

A team led by Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Rolando Anduyan raided Room 506 of the Good Life Hotel after Chong Chin Hao, 31, tried to escape from operatives who were chasing him at past 10 a.m.

Police officers found the shabu stashed in a box, the bullets and a suitcase containing 385 pieces of a foil-wrapped substance, believed to be a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of illegal drugs.  

Anduyan said Hao’s arrest was a product of more than several weeks of gathering information and monitoring the suspect. 

A source told The STAR that Anduyan ordered the surveillance after receiving information that Hao was involved in the transport of guns and ammunition to Taiwan.

He said Hao was monitored meeting with “Chinese-looking men” in Pasay City.  

“However, Hao sensed that he was being stalked and tried to slip through the hotel back door but met a police officer who was part of the team so he scampered upstairs,” he added.

The team chased Hao and forced the door open just as he was about to lock it.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar arrived at the scene and inspected the seized items.

Probers had a hard time communicating with the suspect as Hao did not speak Filipino or English.

Anduyan said they are conducting a follow-up operation to catch Hao’s cohorts. 

“We have yet to determine how big the syndicate is and the nature of their operation,” he said.