BuCor chief orders probe into illegal drugs trade, use in Zamboanga prison

MANILA, Philippines–Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gregorio Pio Catapang ordered an investigation on the reported sale and use of illegal drugs inside the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm (SRPPF) in Zamboanga City.

Catapang ordered the investigation following the arrest of Aharayam Jaidi, 64, for smuggling 2.7 grams of shabu worth an estimated P18,000.

The three plastic sachets were stashed inside her undergarments. Jaidi is the wife of one of seven inmates who tested positive for illegal drugs.

She was turned over to the police for investigation and appropriate case filing.

Her husband was one of the inmates caught by their cell leader holding a drug-using session last May 5.

SRPPF Superintendent C/Supt. Vic Domingo Suyat said the seven inmates were placed in preventive cells and will remain there for a maximum of two months while their good conduct time allowance (GCTA) was suspended for at least a year.

The SRPPF has an inmate population of 2, 625 as of January this year, though it has only a capacity for 733 inmates or a congestion rate of 265 percent.

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