Korean arrested for P2-billion shabu chemicals

MANILA, Philippines — A three-city operation led to the seizure of chemicals and equipment that could manufacture up to P2.3 billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu following the arrest of a Korean and his cohort on Wednesday.

Kim Jong Hee was caught in a drug sting with 250 grams of shabu in front of a hotel in San Juan City at around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said.

Hee’s alleged accomplice, Marvin Yu, was arrested in an earlier drug bust at another hotel in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City. At least 250 grams of shabu were seized from him.

Following their arrests, the chemicals and equipment were recovered in a Toyota Grandia (ZRF-504) abandoned at a parking lot in Pasig City. Police tailed the Grandia prior to Hee’s arrest.

Investigators found two containers and four water jugs filled with half-processed shabu, 27 sacks of suspected ephedrine, mixers and other chemicals believed to be for the manufacture of shabu.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said the chemicals could be used to manufacture 325 kilos of shabu, with a street value of P2.3 billion.

Eleazar said the chemicals and equipment seemed to have been hurriedly put in the vehicle.

Eleazar said they believe Hee belongs to a bigger drug syndicate but they are still conducting a follow-up investigation.