BuCor officer nabbed for selling shabu in Bilibid

MANILA, Philippines — A Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer was arrested on Sunday after allegedly selling shabu inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa.

Anti-narcotics agent conducted an operation at the NBP, resulting in the arrest of a 27-year-old BuCor officer who allegedly sold 19.4 grams of shabu worth P131,920.

The BuCor is investigating the incident. The officer is in police custody and will face drug charges.

‘Drones used to smuggle drugs’

Meanwhile, drug lords are smuggling items into prisons using drones, prompting Parañaque Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan to file a measure banning the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near penitentiaries.

Under House Bill 4797, drones and other similar vehicles will be prohibited within a 100-meter radius of corrections facilities.

Violators will face a year in prison and fines of up to P200,000.

Confiscated drones will be turned over to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for disposal.

Citing the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Yamsuan said drones have been spotted flying to prisons, possibly to transport contraband or conduct surveillance.

Ordinances banning the operation of UAVs near prisons have been passed in Mandaluyong, San Juan and Valenzuela cities as well as Baguio and Batangas, Yamsuan said.

Authorities can use drones to monitor inmates and aid in recapturing escaped prisoners, he pointed out.

Exempted from the ban are UAVs used for custodial security purposes and emergency cases wherein the CAAP issued a permit, with the consent of jail officials. — Delon Porcalla