ARAYAT - After the discovery of the clandestine mega shabu laboratory in this town, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa disclosed that this province has the biggest drug operations in the country.
Dela Rosa made the statement during his visit here together with President Rodrigo Duterte to personally inspect the said facility recognized as the biggest found so far in the country.
According to him, most of shabu laboraties discovered in the country in this year alone were found in Pampanga which includes two in Angeles City, one in Magalang town, and the latest, the mega shabu factory located at the foothills of Mt. Arayat.
Dela Rosa said that the laboratories, which may be operated by drug lords detained inside the National Bilibid Prison, are the source of extensive drug trades in the country, particularly in Metro Manila.
The police chief explained that Pampanga is prone to such illegal activities due to the existence of Clark International Airport and Subic Freeport Zone around it which serves as gateway of precursors.
"That's the peculiarity of Pampanga, and also Bulacan, kaya karamihan ng shabu lab dito nakikita kasi hindi natin ma-control kung ano yung pwede ipasok sa Subic at sa Clark," he stressed.
He also cited the drug activities in Cagayan Valley where illegal drugs coming from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong are dropped off but stressed that unlike Pampanga, no clandestine laboratories were located there.
However, Dela Rosa refused to brand the province as "Shabu Capital of the Philippines" despite the said situation.
He stressed that efforts of the local police and government to suppress the drug menace in the province may be disregarded if that will be noted.
"Hindi man galing dito yan, na-put up dahil sa pagkakaroon nga nila ng ports. Saan ba galing yan, edi sa abroad," he said.
But the police chief assured that police force will intensify their efforts and other possible underground laboratories and ensure that nothing will be put up anew.