A TWO-hour search at the city jail suggested possible use of illegal substance by the detainees as authorities seized numerous prohibited items including drug paraphernalia. The search was conducted by a six-man team from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) last Nov. 22.
Using a greyhound canine, the team led by Intelligence Officer 1 Ryan Calindo yielded a foil and 24 pieces of lighters that could be used for taking shabu. They also recovered spoons, razorblades, shavers, concrete nails and glass shards that can be utilized as weapons.
OIC Jail Warden SJO1 Felix Carcellar said razorblades are lent to inmates during shaving time and should be returned to jail personnel afterwards. Also confiscated are an improvised tattoo machine, cellphone chargers and sim packs, and playing cards that inmates are prohibited from possessing.
The search is in compliance with a Memorandum of Understanding entered into between Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Chief Rosendo M. Dial and DEA Dir. Gen. Jose S. Gutierrez which calls for a random inspection in jails nationwide.
DEA Communications and Equipment Operator Raffy Hermo said the inspection in Region 8 began last August at the lockup cells of Tacloban Police Office, and Palo and Tanauan municipal jails, Baybay sub-provincial jail, and the city jails of Calbayog and Maasin. All the mentioned cells turned out negative of prohibited items. This means they found prohibited items only at Ormoc City jail.
But the warden defended his facility, saying the confiscated items were not necessarily used for illegal activities but for their Inmates Welfare Development Program. As chairman of the Inmates Disciplinary Board, SJO1 Carcellar confirmed that the foil is used for lantern-making.
No inmates have been observed to be under the influence of drugs, SJO1 Carcellar said, adding that cigarette-smoking is being eradicated gradually. The 60-capacity jail is currently congested with 239 detainees including nine females. by Elvie Roman-Roa
(WLWE issue of Nov. 21-27, 2011)
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