suspected clandestine laboratory believed to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, was discovered inside an apartment unit in Barangay Mabiga, Mabalacat City, on April 29, 2026, authorities said.
The discovery was triggered by information from a concerned citizen during a landlord’s attempt to evict tenants due to non-payment of rent at around 5 p.m. While inspecting the rented unit, the landlord noticed suspected illegal drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals, and laboratory equipment inside the premises.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the landlord immediately reported the matter to barangay officials and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Joint operatives from the PDEA Regional Office IV-A Special Enforcement Team (RSET) 1 and RSET 2, PDEA Intelligence Service, PDEA Regional Office III – Pampanga Provincial Office, and the Mabalacat City Police Station conducted a prompt response operation following the report.
Authorities seized several items during the operation, including five plastic containers with residues of a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, nine assorted plastic containers, four torches, 30 lighters, eight syringes, one glass tube, one weighing scale, and assorted gloves.
The tenant of the apartment was not present during the operation and remains at large. Authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to locate the individual.
Marking, inventory, and documentation of the seized evidence are currently being conducted in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the suspected illegal operation and to identify other individuals who may have been involved.
