Personnel and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Baguio City Jail Male Dorm (BCJMD) tested negative for illegal drugs anew, extending the facility’s drug-free status to five years.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera said the development came following a greyhound operation and drug testing at the facility.
Investigation Officer 5 and head of PDEA-CAR’s Land Transport Interdiction Unit Charlton Carame said this is an indication they not only prevented but also sustained the non-entry of illegal drugs into the facility.
Sixty-nine personnel of the BCJMD and 40 PDLs have been tested.
A greyhound operation involves an unannounced search of the facility for any illegal drugs or contraband.
“Canine sniffing and paneling of the PDLs rooms did not show any indication that they were in possession of illegal drugs,” Carame said.
He said a jail is required to have three consecutive negative results during greyhound and drug testing operations.
If complied with, the Regional Oversight and Jail-Clearing Committee will declare the facility as drug-free. Such a declaration is good for a year.
The BCJMD’s current certification will expire in March 2023.
Warden April Rose Ayangwa said BCJMD has regular greyhound operations aside from the surprise drug testing of personnel. They also conduct joint operations with the police and the PDEA, she added.
The BCJMD had been declared drug-free since 2018. – PNA
April 17, 2024
