City Jail Warden: Shabu smuggling can't be prevented as warden investigates report that canteen sells cigarettes to inmates

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Jail warden Johnson Calub admitted yesterday that sometimes the jail guards cannot prevent the smuggling of shabu into the jail facility in barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City because the drug couriers are also employing new methods so their illegal activities can’t be easily detected.

The FREEMAN informer inside the Cebu City jail claims that the proliferation of shabu inside the facility continues despite of the strict security measures implemented by personnel assigned at the jail entrance.

“Angkonon nako nga dunay mga higayon nga makalusot g’yud ang drugas sa selda,” Calub said. (I admit there are instances that illegal drugs are smuggled into the cells.)

He said drug couriers are employing new techniques. “Kana bitaw nga magsul-ob og baga kaayo nga rubber sandals dili na namo itugot nga dad-on sa sulod kay ang uban butangan og shabu sa ilawom,” he added. (We don’t even allow thick rubber sandals inside because it’s where they put the contraband.)

While the police are now looking into the report that the killing of Antonio Santos in barangay Kalunasan last Wednesday was drug-related, The FREEMAN source at the Cebu City jail confirmed that the proliferation of shabu continues at the jail facility.

“Ingna si Mayor (Michael) Rama sir nga bisan og mag-testing ta og pasulod og shabu diri sa jail dali ra kaayo,” according to the source.

Rama also wants that the killing of Santos, son of a beach resort owner in barangay Biasong, Talisay City who was shot to death after visiting a friend-inmate at the City Jail last Wednesday, will be solved immediately. (See separate story)

After admitting that there might be some instances that the jail guards can’t detect the smuggling of shabu into the jail facility, Calub is asking the help of the public to inform him if they know about the activities of the drug couriers.

The mayor said yesterday that he will order an investigation on reports that shabu has become rampant in the jail and that while ballpens and cigarettes are banned from the facility, these can be purchased inside the canteen at a higher price.

The FREEMAN informer said that a stick of cigarette that is only 75 centavos outside the jail is sold for P2 each at the jail’s canteen. Calub admitted that the selling of cigarettes to the inmates is allowed at the canteen, but the quantity is controlled by them. — (FREEMAN)