Drug lords at NBI may have used food to smuggle cash, mobile phones–De Lima

MANILA, Philippines–Taking advantage of the festivities last Christmas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said inmates of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) temporarily detained at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) may have used food to smuggle large sums of money and cellular phones.

Upon inspection conducted last Dec. 28 and 29 by the NBI, about P700,000 in P1,000 and P500 bills, as well as four mobile phones, were discovered hidden in cigarette packs, garbage bins and toilet tanks in the prisoners’ quarters.

“Visitors are not allowed–their families and counsels–because we have suspended their visitation privileges. So, I think pinayagan yon. Baka nakalagay  doon sa mga pagkain. May lechon pa nga,” De Lima said.

“Probably, sabi ng mga bisita kahit wag na kami papasukin, pakidala na lang yung mga pagkain,” she added.

The justice secretary already ordered an investigation on the incident and reiterated that sanctions will be imposed on those responsible for the entry of prohibited items inside the NBI detention now considered an extension of the New Bilibid Prison.

The convicts were taken at the NBI for their temporary detention after the raid last Dec. 15 at the NBP and discovered that the 20 inmates were living like “kings” with gadgets, appliances, hot tubs, private gyms and even a music room.

“Iniimbestigahan kailan exactly nakalusot na ganun and paano nangyari yan at kung sinu-sino ang kakutsaba para maipasok yan,” De Lima added.

Another possibility on how the cash and mobile phones were smuggled inside is through the relatives of the NBI’s regular detainees.

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