The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Acting PNP Chief, scored a significant victory in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs following the discovery of a large-scale clandestine drug laboratory in Caloocan City.
The operation was conducted at around 8:16 AM on January 24, 2026, in Barangay 176-D Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. It was spearheaded by the Caloocan City Police Station, in coordination with the Northern Police District–Drug Enforcement Unit and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. The raid targeted a suspect who remains at large for violations of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the manufacture of dangerous drugs and the possession of controlled precursors and essential chemicals.
During the operation, authorities uncovered a fully operational clandestine laboratory used for the production of illegal drugs. Seized at the scene were two containers of liquid chemical substances believed to be phenylacetone, a known precursor in the manufacture of dangerous drugs, with a combined volume of approximately 20 liters. The confiscated chemicals have an estimated street value exceeding Php10Million.
Also recovered were various laboratory-grade equipment used in illegal drug production, including glass flasks, separatory funnels, electric heating mantles, a stainless-steel heating and mixing base unit, and other paraphernalia essential for illegal drug manufacturing.
The conduct of the search was witnessed by barangay officials and members of the media to ensure transparency and adherence to legal procedures. Further investigation is ongoing as of this writing, as authorities intensify efforts to identify, locate, and apprehend the suspects involved in the illegal drug manufacturing operation.
PLtGen Nartatez commended the operating units for their swift and decisive action, as well as the cooperation of the public, saying: “Muli nating pinatunayan na sa tulong ng bawat isa, matagumpay at tuloy-tuloy ang kampanya kontra-droga. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi nasusugpo ang iligal na droga sa bawat komunidad.”
The successful operation underscores the PNP’s steadfast commitment to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and reinforces its mission under the banner of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.” Through sustained law enforcement operations and strong community cooperation, PNP continues to ensure safer neighborhoods and responsive, effective policing for the Filipino people.
