Jail Warden in Trouble Over Seized Marijuana Sachets

LEGAZPI CITY, (4 February 2011) – The jail warden of this city is in hot water after Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA ) agents seized from a cell some eight sachets of dried marijuana during a surprised inspection last January 31, according to a high official of the drug enforcement agency.

Gen. Pedrito Magsino (Retired), PDEA Bicol regional director, disclosed yesterday (Feb. 3) that during a surprised inspection of the city jail compound their drug sniffing K9 dogs pointed to the location of the eight sachets dried marijuana leaves.

The dried marijuana leaves were in two plastic bags containing four sachets each and were discovered at a drawer inside cell No. “0” occupied by 10 jail trustees.

He said that two of the jail trustees were under detention for illegal drug cases.

He said the inspection was coordinated with Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Regional Director Sr. Supt. Emily Aranas.

He explained that during the inspection all the inmates were asked to attend a meeting at the social hall. After the inmates left their cells, PDEA agents conducted the inspection with the K9 dogs. The city jail has 10 cells.

Magsino said that Jail Warden Sr. Inspector Gerardo Berdin will undergo investigation to find out his culpability and to determine how the marijuana leaves found its way inside the jail compound and who owns it.

The PDEA director said that the surprise inspection was undertaken after persistent reports that prohibited drugs are being peddled inside the city jail. (PIA V)