Contraband uncovered: BuCor employee attempted to smuggle illegal substance into maximum security

· A female BuCor staff member was arrested at the New Bilibid Prison for attempting to smuggle illegal substances into the facility

· The illicit substance, suspected sh@bu, was found hidden inside and beneath loaves of pandesal (bread rolls)

· The apprehension led to the discovery of 33 packets of suspected sh@bu with a Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) frequently visited by the staffer

· The staffer will face charges under the Dangerous Drug5 Act and immediate dismissal proceedings from the Bureau of Corrections

A female staff member of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has been apprehended after guards at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) foiled her attempt to smuggle illegal substances into the maximum-security compound.

The contraband was hidden in a seemingly innocuous manner—baked inside and under loaves of pandesal (Filipino bread rolls).

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The suspect, whose name has not yet been released, was intercepted at Gate 1 of the maximum-security compound in Muntinlupa City.

Despite being in uniform, she was subjected to routine security checks by her colleagues, a vigilance that ultimately exposed the illicit cargo.

According to BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang, the guards’ thorough inspection revealed the sophisticated attempt at concealment.

A sachet containing what is suspected to be sh@bu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) was found baked inside one of the pandesal rolls, with another sachet of the same substance discovered hidden beneath the tray of bread.

Director General Catapang stressed that regardless of their affiliation, all personnel entering the compound are subject to rigorous examination. “Pero siyempre kahit magkakabaro ‘yan, ininspect talaga thoroughly. So nung na-inspect, ‘yun pala, may nakatago sa pandesal na mga droga,” he stated.

The incident underscores the constant challenge BuCor faces in maintaining the integrity of the correctional facilities, where internal collusion remains a major threat to security.

The apprehension quickly led to a follow-up operation targeting an inmate, or Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL), within a dormitory of the maximum security compound.

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During the search, investigators discovered an alarming cache of 33 packets of suspected sh@bu in the possession of the PDL.

Investigation revealed that the arrested female staffer had a history of frequent visits to this particular PDL while the latter was confined at the BuCor Hospital.

This pattern led officials to suspect a coordinated conspiracy. "Duda namin, sila ang nagkakakuntsabahan para magpuslit ng mga droga sa loob. Kaya pati yung PDL iimbestigahan din, dahil makakasuhan na naman siya ng anti-drug traff1cking, lalo siyang makukulong ng mahabang panahon," Catapang added.

Both the BuCor staff member and the PDL are facing charges for violation of the Dangerous Drug5 Act. Director General Catapang confirmed that the apprehended staffer will also undergo the appropriate internal disciplinary process leading to her dismissal from her post, sending a clear message against corruption within the agency.

Neither the staff member nor the PDL has issued a public statement regarding the allegations.

In other news, a horrific traffic incident in Camalig, Albay, resulted in the death of eleven occupants of a UV Express, with only two passengers surviving the crash. The recovery of the victims from the crushed vehicles, which landed in a nearby waterway, required rescue teams to work tirelessly for a duration of eight hours. Preliminary investigation suggests the devastating impact occurred because the truck, moving at high velocity, experienced a mechanical malfunction leading to brake loss before striking the van. The driver of the truck and his assistant were among the few who survived the crash and were immediately brought to a medical facility for care.

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Meanwhile, an individual's aggressive conduct at a fast-food location in Naic, Cavite, including the physical assault of an employee and a patron, attracted widespread attention online. Reports suggest the dispute started when the woman attempted to settle her bill by presenting her mobile phone instead of traditional currency. Local village authorities noted that the individual displayed unpredictable behavior and made several verbal threats throughout the event. Based on the nature of her outburst, responding emergency personnel raised concerns that the woman might be suffering from an underlying mental health condition.

Source: KAMI.com.gh