Authorities seize ‘shabu pills’ hidden in face mask

Several pieces of a new type of illegal drug known as "shabu pills" were found hidden in the face mask of a Chinese national in Makati City, according to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday.

Members of the National Bureau of Investigation's Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) seized 56 shabu pills—each worth P2,500 to P5,000—and a gun from the suspect.

“As far as the NBI is concerned, first time sa bureau na naka-seize ng ganitong klaseng droga [this is the first time the bureau has seized this kind of drug]," said NBI-SAU Executive Officer Kristine Dela Cruz. "Nakita dito sa laboratory exam result na meron [According to the lab results, they contain] methamphetamine hydrochloride, caffeine and ethyl vanillin.”

“Napaka-potent nito na kapag nag-take ang isang tao hindi siya makakatulog ng isang linggo,” she added.

(This drug is so potent that when a person takes it, he cannot sleep for a week.)

NBI said the shabu pills are being handed to Chinese Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) employees and sex workers in the country.

“Alamin natin paano nakapasok, sino ang kinontak ng sindikato, paano binebenta, anong grupo ng sindikato at saan ang areas of operation. I am ordering all NBI agents across the country: tutukan ninyo ang bagong klase ng droga na ito,” NBI Director Eric Distor said.

(We will find how the shabu pills entered the country, who are the contacts of syndicates, how it was sold, which syndicate is distributing it and what are its areas of operation. I am ordering all NBI agents across the country to focus on this new type of drug.) — Mel Matthew Doctor/BM, GMA News