DIPOLOG CITY - Jail authorities has tightened security at the Dipolog City Jail in Barangay Dicayas, as proliferation of illegal drugs has been noted in the premises.
City Jail Warden Allan Vargas said an inmate was caught in possession of five grams of shabu during a surprise inspection conducted among the prisoners last Jan. 28.
Such incident nearly caused riot inside the jail as the said detainee refused to get out of his cell by seeking refuge from his co-inmates when he was taken out and transferred to Dapitan City Jail last Jan. 29 on a court order.
No one was injured during the commotion but Vargas admitted having fired a warning shot to ease the tension.
The said detainee, who was jailed for illegal drugs, has been placed under surveillance by jail officials as a suspect behind the entry of the illegal drugs at the city jail “using his connection with the underworld.”
Vargas also directed his men to impose stricter measures on the inmate’s visitors and to inspect thoroughly their personal belongings during the visit particularly the food.
Presently, a closed-circuit television camera was installed to ensure that all visitors are identified and all activities are monitored.
“We are doing our best to prevent the entry of illegal drugs,” Vargas declared.
Last year, 10 pieces of plastic sachets containing shabu were placed inside a wrapped a bottle of perfume was recovered near the kitchen of the jail. Jail authorities believed that said item was thrown from outside by unidentified passers.
According to Vargas, the jail has more than 300 inmates with only 4 jail guards. (PIA9)
