Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte — Authorities discovered more than ₱503,000 worth of shabu during a surprise inspection inside the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Jail in Don Jose Aguirre, Manukan, on Sunday, August 17.
The operation, dubbed Oplan Galugad, was jointly carried out by the Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) under Provincial Director PCol. Jimmy Laguyo and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
During the raid, police and PDEA personnel recovered 74 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱503,000. Authorities also seized drug paraphernalia, improvised weapons, and several mobile phones from inside the detention facility.
According to PCol. Laguyo, at least 105 police personnel joined forces with PDEA operatives to comb through the cells in search of contraband items. Six persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were identified in connection with the seized illegal drugs and are set to face additional charges in court.
Engr. Dioscoro Endab, Officer-in-Charge of the Zamboanga del Norte Correctional and Rehabilitation Center, admitted the possibility of collusion among inmates that allowed the illegal drugs to penetrate the facility. He assured that a thorough investigation is now underway to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The discovery highlights the persistent problem of illegal drug trade inside detention facilities, raising questions about security lapses and the need for stricter monitoring of jail operations.