Authorities destroyed laboratory equipment and chemicals from a mega shabu laboratory discovered eight years ago in Barangay Palta, Virac, Catanduanes.

On November 26, 2016, authorities raided a suspected mega shabu laboratory in Barangay Palta, Virac, Catanduanes. Inside, they found various equipment used to manufacture illegal drugs. 

Nearly eight years later, the court allowed the destruction of the items seized.

The operation was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol, with the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

It involved destroying metals, plastics, glassware, and a rotary evaporator, among other tools.

"Para hindi na ulit magamit sa pagawa ng shabu kaya kailangan nating gawin ito. Ang mga equipment ay kailagang sirain, ang iba pang mga facility dapat sirain din para hindi na maulit yung pagkakataong ito," Edgar Jubay, Regional Director of PDEA Bicol, said.

According to the PNP, the destruction of the equipment is a significant relief for them because they had been guarding the evidence strictly and the nearly 40-hectare lot for several years.

"Ito’y isang malaking accomplishment sa PNP, not only at the start of this operation eight years ago, this is also an accomplishment for the PNP as a relief... It’s a serious matter to ensure the safety of every person here," PBGen Andre Dizon, Regional Director of PNP Bicol, said.

Some hazardous equipment remains inside the facility, as of this writing, for safety reasons, and the building itself will not be demolished yet as the case continues.

Dizon said it is a historic moment as everyone came together to close the illegal drug laboratory in the province, finally.

"Makasayayan po [ito], dahil magkakasama yung mga taong gobyerno [at] yung taong bayan sa tuluyang pagwakas nitong illegal drug laboratory dito sa Catanduanes," Dizon said.