VARIOUS contraband, including bladed weapons and mobile phones, were seized during an early morning anti-drugs and illegal weapons operation at the Zamboanga del Norte Correctional and Rehabilitation Center.

The operation was jointly conducted Wednesday by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Governor and the Zamboanga del Norte Correctional and Rehabilitation Center.

Marvin Santos, head of the PDEA-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office, said in a statement that they jointly initiated the operation after receiving reports of illegal drug operations managed by personalities detained at the provincial jail.

Santos disclosed that a high profile inmate with a criminal history in different jurisdictions ranging from violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 to illegal possession of explosives and murder was among those who were found in possession of a smart phone.

He said the conduct of the operation was

witnessed by local government and village officials as well as representative from the media. (SunStar Zamboanga)