Six Chinese nationals were arrested by the police during a raid of a laboratory producing shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, in an industrial subdivision in Barangay Rincon, Valenzuela City, Wednesday, October 15.

The suspects were identified as: Leo Ching, 39; Quing Cai, 39; Chan Se Song, 44; James Qing Chao, 23; Cai Xiao, 40; and Qingshan Shi, 43.

In the custody of the Northern Police District (NPD) since Wednesday, they are facing charges of violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The Valenzuela City Police and the NPD  Anti-Illegal Drugs Division recovered at the laboratory – a two-storey apartment unit along Omega 1^st Street, Malinta Industrial Estate −a total of 6 kilos of shabu, along with other chemicals and equipment used to produce the illegal substance.   Police estimate the drugs cost Php30 million.

Valenzuela Police Chief Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento said the laboratory, which opened shop on October 2, had been producing every day 15 to 20 kilos of shabu, which are then sold to clients in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.

Records of the Business Permits and Licenses Office (BPLO) identify the owner of the building as Katrina Tsang, who has no registered business at the address.

City Mayor REX Gatchalian, who was present at the raid, said the city government is considering coming up with alien registration system so it can monitor foreign nationals living in the city.

This is not only to deter foreign drug traffickers, but also to track their whereabouts during disasters, among other uses, Mayor REX said.