A total of 97 persons deprived of liberty at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center have tested positive for illegal drug use following a surprise drug screening involving more than 1,000 inmates.
CPDRC jail warden Dr. Felipe Montejo confirmed the results on September 14, saying the surprise drug test was conducted on 1,044 inmates.
The screening comes as jail authorities tighten security measures following a reported attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into the detention facility.
Surprise drug test covers all inmates
Montejo said the drug screening was conducted without prior notice and covered the entire inmate population.
Of the 1,044 inmates tested, 97 returned positive results.
The inmates who tested positive are expected to face administrative penalties as authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the presence of illegal drugs inside the facility.
The results have also prompted authorities to examine how prohibited substances could have entered the detention centre.
Authorities investigate possible drug entry points
CPDRC personnel are working with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to identify possible entry points used to bring illegal drugs into the facility.
Security measures are being tightened as part of the investigation.
These include more intensive inspections inside the jail and searches of inmate cells for illegal drugs and related paraphernalia.
Authorities are also examining recent visits and activities that may have created opportunities for prohibited substances to enter the facility.
Drug-smuggling attempt intercepted
The surprise screening followed an earlier incident involving an alleged attempt to smuggle illegal drugs into CPDRC.
On September 11, jail personnel reportedly intercepted a visitor who allegedly tried to bring illegal drugs into the facility concealed inside a soft drink container from a fast-food chain.
The visitor was scheduled to meet a 41-year-old inmate who is also facing drug-related charges.
The incident raised further concerns about the effectiveness of existing security procedures and the possibility that prohibited substances may be entering through visitors or other channels.
Family day also under scrutiny
The drug test was conducted after CPDRC recently held a family day, giving inmates an opportunity to spend time with relatives and loved ones.
Authorities are looking into possible entry points for illegal drugs following the discovery of the positive test results.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the substances entered through visitors, inmates or other means.
For now, jail officials are strengthening security across the facility while continuing efforts to prevent illegal drugs and drug-related paraphernalia from reaching inmates.
The 97 positive results have added pressure on CPDRC authorities to tighten controls and determine how prohibited substances were able to reach inmates inside the provincial detention centre.
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