A minor was caught in possession of approximately 30 grams of suspected shabu worth P204,000 during a routine security inspection at a high school in Bacolod City on Monday, July 20.
According to the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), a security guard noticed suspicious items inside the student’s bag while conducting an inspection at the school’s exit gate in Brgy. Banago.
The guard recovered two knot-tied plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and immediately reported the incident to Police Station 3 of the Bacolod City Police Office.
Personnel from Police Station 3 and the Bacolod City Intelligence Unit responded and took custody of the recovered suspected illegal drugs.
Authorities withheld the identity of the student in compliance with Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended.
The minor was placed under protective custody and will be referred to the appropriate Social Development Center for intervention and other proceedings under the law governing Children in Conflict with the Law.
The suspected shabu was inventoried and will be submitted for laboratory examination.
Police said investigators are conducting a follow-up investigation to determine the source of the suspected illegal drugs and whether the minor may have been exploited by individuals involved in illegal drug trafficking.
PRO-NIR Director BGen. Romano Cardiño said the incident highlights the importance of cooperation among schools, parents, communities and law enforcement agencies in protecting children from illegal drugs.
He also commended the vigilance of the school’s security personnel and assured the public that police will continue anti-illegal drug operations while ensuring that minors involved in such cases are treated in accordance with the law and with due regard for their rights and welfare.*
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