CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, – In a significant development, the San Isidro Municipal Police Station conducted an intensive investigation confirming the recovery of shabu from an abandoned hut in Barangay San Roque, San Isidro, Northern Samar.

As background, two farmers handed over two plastic bags of suspected shabu to the San Isidro MPS, leading to the discovery of a substantial quantity of suspected drugs in the abandoned hut on July 14, 2024.

According to the Chemistry Report released by the Samar Forensic Unit on July 16, 2024, the recovered substance tested positive as methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, weighing 8.138 kilograms with a value of P50,080,000.00.

Further investigation revealed that the abandoned hut belongs to a certain “Jaime” and his family, who relocated to the mountainous part of the barangay.

It was also discovered that the son of the hut’s owner, a 17-year-old student, and his friend had found a box containing the substance near the national road in April 2024.

They mistook it for potassium alum or “tawas” and stored it in their former residence, now the abandoned hut.

The substances remained hidden in a sack of charcoal even after the family moved to a new house.

Upon inspection, it was found that some bags had been exposed to elements due to the hut’s dilapidated condition.

Lt. Millen Charles Vincent Reyes, chief of police, recommends extending the investigation to further shed light on the case.

He stated, “Given the magnitude of this drug haul and its implications, an extended investigation will provide clarity on the network behind this operation and prevent such incidents in the future.”

San Isidro MPS also urges a coordinated effort involving the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO), other governmental agencies, and stakeholders to assist in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the abandoned shabu.

“The San Isidro MPS, together with the local government, remains committed to eradicating the presence of dangerous drugs in the community. Our collective efforts will significantly contribute to dismantling illegal drug networks, ensuring the safety and welfare of our community,” he emphasized.