DOJ, PDEA crack down on Bilibid drug dealers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency  (PDEA) will crack down on convicted drug traffickers who continue their illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday authorities have identified the high-profile inmates at the NBP’s maximum security compound involved in the illegal activities.

“The convicted drug lords were able to continue their businesses using cell phones smuggled into the jail,” she said in radio interview.

De Lima said the crackdown will also target personnel of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) who are conniving with the convicted drug traffickers.

“BuCor officials and personnel are now being watched,” she said.

For his part, BuCor director Franklin Bucayo said they are addressing the prison-based illegal drug trade.

He said the bureau will be going high-tech in monitoring the activities of the convicted drug dealers.

NBP Superintendent Robert Rabo said at least 6,000 inmates are serving time at the maximum security compound for drug offenses.