DRUG AGENCY TIGHTENS WATCH ON CONTRABAND SUBSTANCE

GOVERNMENT anti-drug agents are closely watching the entry and
distribution of muriatic acid in Soccsksargen Region as part of an
intensified drive against possible existence of illegal drug
laboratories in the area.

Chief Inspector Jessie Estrada, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
(PDEA) director for Soccsksargen Region, said they have started to
regulate the shipment of the product, which is reportedly an
ingredient in the manufacture of shabu.

Estrada said they have set up a monitoring system for the product at
various commercial ports and the main highways in the region.

"No shipments (of muriatic acid) are allowed unless the consignees or
owners have secured the necessary licenses or clearance from us and
other concerned agencies," Estrada said in a radio interview.

He said they have also disallowed the bulk shipments of muriatic acid,
which mostly come from manufacturers based in Cebu and Manila.

Estrada added that they have also tied up with local government units
(LGUs) and muriatic acid manufacturers to ensure that the product is
distributed properly.

He said LGUs in the area now conduct inspections on establishments
that were selling or using the product like pharmacies, hospitals, and
owners of swimming pools before their licenses or permits were issued.

Estrada said they would also conduct inspections on business
establishments in the city.

"On the part of the manufacturers, they would no longer sell the
product to those who have no business permits," he said.

However, Estrada failed to say if the product's regulation was
connected to earlier reports about the presence of alleged shabu
laboratories in the region but cited that they have been closely
monitoring such possibility in the area.

A top official of the anti-drug abuse council in Soccsksargen Region
earlier disclosed that they have received reports about the existence
of at least six shabu laboratories in Cotabato City.

The official, who asked anonymity, said the operators of the drug
laboratories have reportedly established dropping zones of the illegal
substance in the region.