- Three packs of shabu weighing over a kilo were confiscated during BuCor’s latest raid in New Bilibid Prison
- It was the biggest haul of shabu seized during the raids in the national penitentiary
- An investigation is underway to determine how the illegal substance was smuggled into the prison facility
Despite numerous raids to rid the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) of contraband items, operatives of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) seized more than one kilo of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, several firearms and electronic gadgets on Thursday, March 3.
NBP Director Richard Schwarzkopf said it was the biggest haul of shabu confiscated during the prison raids.
“This is the first time we confiscated drugs of such huge amounts,” he said.
In a write-up for The Journal, Jeffrey C. Tiangco wrote that the illegal substance, with an estimated value of P5 million, was found in the ceiling of a dormitory at the maximum security compound’s Building 5-A, Quadrant 4 occupied by members of the Sigue-Sigue Sputnik prison gang.
According to Schwarzkopf, the over one kilo of the illegal drugs were found packed in three clear plastic bags wrapped in old newspaper and placed inside an eco-bag.
Three handguns – a caliber .45 pistol, a 9mm Glock pistol, a home-made .22 revolver, 2 bullets for a 12-gauge shotgun and electronic gadgets were also confiscated during the 21st “Oplan Galugad” raid conducted by BuCor.
An investigation on how the huge bulk of contraband was smuggled into the national penitentiary is being conducted.
“I have ordered a review of the footages taken by our close circuit television cameras to determine who brought it here and how it was smuggled inside,” Schwarzkopf said.
Apart from the raids to rid the penitentiary of prohibited items, the BuCor continued the dismantling of makeshift cottages in Quadrant 2 where new dormitories will be erected.
Schwarzkopf said there is a need for several prison personnel to undergo training to operate x-ray machines, scanners and metal detectors to prevent contraband items from being smuggled into the NBP.
“Especially shabu. That’s one of the things we want to prevent from entering the facility,” Schwarzkopf added.
The confiscated shabu will be turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
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