Authorities have arrested two Canadians and a Filipino believed to be members of an international drug syndicate with ties to a Mexican cartel.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) nabbed Canadian citizens James Riach and Barry Espadilla, as well as a Filipino named Tristan Olazo. The arrested suspects allegedly import chemicals from Mexico and process them into shabu, cocaine, and ecstacy for distribution in night clubs and bars in Metro Manila.
Seized from the clandestine laboratory were drug paraphernalia such as heaters, sealers, weighing scales, flasks, and other laboratory equipment. The laboratory was described as “high-tech,” allowing the suspects to conceal fumes from their operations.
Aside from drug paraphernalia, the NBI agents also seized machines used to replicate ATM and credit cards. (GMA News)