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“Extra rice” with shabu?: 18-year-old visitor caught at Kalinga jail bringing suspected contraband hidden in food package

  • Writer: Lorraine Bacullo
    Lorraine Bacullo
  • Aug 17
  • 2 min read

Updated: Aug 18


TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A sachet of suspected shabu was discovered hidden inside a food package intended for a person deprived of liberty (PDL) at the BJMP Kalinga District Jail in Bulanao, Tabuk City, after jail personnel intercepted an alleged attempt to bring illegal contraband into the facility on August 14, 2026.


According to local media reports, the visitor was identified only as alias “JR,” who allegedly placed a small-to-medium-sized heat-sealed plastic sachet inside food that was to be delivered to one of the inmates.


The incident was reported to the Tabuk City Police, which immediately responded to the jail. The confiscated item and the suspect were brought to the Tabuk City Police Station for documentation and appropriate disposition.


According to Acting Jail Warden Jail Inspector Rolando Diwas, the incident was the first reported attempt to smuggle illegal contraband into the facility since he assumed his post on July 1, 2026.


As of writing, authorities have yet to publicly disclose the exact weight and estimated street value of the suspected drug. Laboratory examination is also expected to determine the identity of the substance.


Drug situation in Kalinga


According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Kalinga recorded 19 anti-illegal-drug operations from January to November 2024, resulting in the arrest of 19 drug offenders and the seizure of about P121.31 million worth of illegal drugs.


By November 2024, 109 of the province’s 153 barangays had been declared drug-cleared, 39 drug-free, while five remained drug-affected: Laya East in Tabuk City; Junction in Pinukpuk; and Butbut Proper, Tulgao and Buscalan in Tinglayan.


In January 2026, authorities in Kalinga carried out 18 operations and seized about P55.82 million worth of drugs, mostly marijuana.

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