Drug lab boosts anti-drug operations

in the city and Zamboanga Peninsula

ZAMBOANGA CITY (ZNS) - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the construction of its own forensic laboratory has boosted its anti-drug operations here in the region.

PDEA Regional Director Joseph Ladip said Wednesday having their own forensic laboratory hastens the filing of cases against suspects arrested in anti-drug operations.
He said before, they had to rely on the regional crime laboratory to examine pieces of evidence seized in the campaign against prohibited drugs.
Ladip said they have so far managed to file 32 cases against arrested suspects in anti-drug operations since the forensic laboratory was opened in this city last February.
He added that majority of the cases they filed involved the confiscation of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu".
According to the PDEA official, the laboratory of the PDEA here is also capable of analyzing other types of prohibited drugs aside from shabu.

He said the PDEA laboratory here is being manned by a chemist who has undergone training in Manila. (PNA) (082914)