Pubdate: Tue, 06 Sep 2005
Source: Visayan Daily Star (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Visayan Daily Star
Contact:  http://www.visayandailystar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1688
Author: JG
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

60 PERCENT OF INMATES DRUG SUSPECTS

A total of 180 out of the 273 detainees at the Rehabilitation Center
in Barangay Bajumpandan, in Dumaguete City are standing trial for
illegal drugs either as pushers, users or suppliers, while the rest
have been charged with other crimes.

Chief Insp. Waldimar Villanueva, jail warden, said the detainees
accused of illegal drug cases comprise about 60 to 62 percent of the
total jail population.

He said they conduct a "Greyhound" Operation daily to check on the
presence of drugs, particularly shabu, and bladed weapons inside the
jail.

Villanueva added that visitors are strictly inspected.

Meanwhile, the jail celebrated its 4th anniversary fiesta recently
with a search for Miss City Jail.

Merlin Melon, who is facing charges for possession of suspected shabu,
was crowned Miss City Jail 2005.

The inmates lauded the jail management for recognizing their talents
while they are serving their sentences.

They also thanked the bureau for providing them livelihood
opportunities while in detention.

At the celebration, two male drug suspects, Randy Duran and Oscar Liu,
got married, but their partners are outside of the jail.
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