Our re-energized relations with China has also led to an unprecedented level of cooperation between our nations on the war against transnational crimes. Our shared intelligence led to the discovery and dismantling of the clandestine shabu laboratories and the arrest of Chinese chemists [connected] with the Dragon organization called Wu Syndicate.

Original publisher’s rating

During his state visit to Beijing last October 2016, President Duterte signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the cooperation between the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Office of the Narcotics Control of the Ministry of Public Security of China. The MOU states that both parties “agree to enhance exchange of intelligence, know-how and technology-sharing on fighting against drug crimes, preventive education and rehabilitation facilities.” In April, joint elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nabbed members of the notorious Dragon Wu International Drug syndicates in Malabon, Marikina, and Batangas. The syndicate had set up shabu laboratories in these areas, equipped with various laboratory equipment and manned by chemists. According to PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino, the raids marked the first time in Philippine history “that a clandestine ecstasy laboratory was closed down.”

Reviewed by Rappler ↗ · July 25, 2018