ANOTHER attempt to sneak in illegal drugs to Davao City Jail in Maa was blocked after jail authorities busted shabu or crystal meth worth P368,000 hidden inside a squash or kalabasa.
In a police report, personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Davao intercepted two visitors around 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 11, after they found out that the illegal substance was discovered during the inspection.
The suspects were identified as Roberto Llego, 48, and Amelyn Lomigo, 28. Both are residents in Maa, Davao City.
According to initial investigation, jail inspectors were conducting a thorough search in the assorted vegetables delivered by the suspects and upon checking a sack of squash, they noticed that one of them has a detached stem. After further search, they discovered that it contained 20 pieces of transparent plastic cellophane containing Tresbe contrabands, two pieces of disposable lighters, a PC-rolled aluminum foil, and a cigarette stick.
The inspectors also saw the contraband contained two square-shaped big size pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu.
BJMP officials said a total of 23 grams of suspected shabu were confiscated.
Filing of charges, in violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, is being prepared against the suspects.
BJMP-Davao Spokesperson Jail Inspector Edo Lobenia told SunStar Davao in a phone interview that they temporarily suspended the delivery of foods and goods inside the city jail while investigation is ongoing.
Lobenia said they will continue to intensify their vigilance against sneaking illegal contrabands to the jail facilities.
"It proves that BJMP continues to work especially on our campaign against illegal drugs," he said.
He clarified that there is still no proliferation of drugs inside the jail following the recent attempts on sneaking illegal drugs into the city jail.
In October 2021, jail personnel intercepted sachets of alleged shabu inserted in a “chicken-pork adobo” meal being sneaked inside the city jail annex. While authorities recovered from the drone three pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing an estimated 25 grams of shabu with a street value of P400,000.