03/04/2026
CLANDESTINE DRUG LAB BUSTED IN PUERTO GALERA; ₱6.8-M SHABU SEIZED
In a sustained anti-illegal drug operation, joint elements of the Puerto Galera Municipal Police Station, Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office, and PDEA RO MIMAROPA implemented a search warrant on March 31, 2026, at Brgy. Sinandigan, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, leading to the dismantling of a suspected clandestine drug laboratory.
At around 9:27 AM, operatives served Search Warrant No. SW-26-016 for violations of Sections 8 and 11 of Republic Act 9165. Although the identified suspect, alias “Chin Chin,” was not present during the operation and remains at large, authorities proceeded with the search, resulting in the discovery of substantial drug evidence and laboratory equipment.
Seized from the site were forty-eight (48) containers and various materials containing, or with traces of, white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, along with eleven (11) containers of unidentified liquids. Also recovered were two (2) glass filtering flasks, ten (10) LPG tanks, four (4) heavy-duty stove burners, a generator, and other paraphernalia suspected to be used in the manufacture of illegal drugs.
The recovered illegal drug evidence is estimated to weigh approximately one kilogram, with a standard drug price of ₱6,800,000.00.
All seized items will be returned to the issuing court, with a motion to retain the evidence to be filed for proper turnover to PDEA RO MIMAROPA for laboratory examination.
“This operation underscores our relentless drive to dismantle drug networks at their source. Hindi lang natin hinuhuli ang mga sangkot—sinisira natin ang kanilang kakayahang mag-operate,” said Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
“Hindi lang ito laban sa ilegal na droga—ito ay laban para sa proteksyon ng bawat mamamayan. By cutting off supply at the production level, we are protecting communities and supporting the national government’s campaign for a safer, healthier Philippines,” he added.
The Philippine National Police remains committed to intensifying intelligence-driven and inter-agency operations to eradicate illegal drug activities and ensure safer communities in line with the vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)