Shabu found at CPDRC canteen

CEBU, Philippines - Twenty grams of shabu worth P236,000 were found at the canteen of the Cebu Provincial Detention  and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) during a search of the facility yesterday afternoon.

Chief Insp. Rolan Aliser, chief of the drug enforcement unit of the provincial police, said some of the 27 small sachets, two medium packs, and two large packs of shabu were found in the egg trays at the canteen counter while others were found hidden in the canteen’s ceiling.

The shabu seized appeared to be "freshly repacked" as plastic straws were found inside the two large packs, Aliser said.

Aliser said they searched the facility after receiving information that illegal drugs were to be smuggled into CPDRC.

Supt. Mario Baquiran, Jr., chief of the Provincial Public Safety Company, confirmed Aliser’s statement.

"Last Friday and kahapon (Lunes), may pumasok na tig-iisang kilo… yun yong na- receive ng mga tao natin dito na galing sa mga assets natin," Baquiran said.

Aside from shabu, at least 27 cellphones and its chargers, a portable DVD player, sharp weapons and a tally sheet for illegal numbers game (swertres) and P18, 000 cash were seized inside the prison cell numbers 69, 73, 32, and 46 of the male dormitory of the said facility.

The cells raided by the police house high-value targets involved in illegal drugs, at least 10 of whom are now being monitored, Baquiran said.

"Actually, may listahan kami dito pero we cannot divulge their names because of subject for investigation kung paano namin masundan ang operations nila in coming in and out dito sa CPDRC and yong mga contact nila sa labas," Baquiran said.

Baquiran said investigation is ongoing to determine how the shabu ended up at the canteen and who should be held responsible.

“The facility’s security will still be strictly implemented in the provincial jail,” Baquiran said.

Roberto Legaspi, officer-in-charge of CPDRC, said a separate investigation into the incident will be conducted by his team.

He will also recommend to Governor Hilario Davide III that visitation at CPDRC be suspended temporarily as investigation is being conducted. (FREEMAN)