Illegal drugs recovered from Grade 9 student in Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY – Suspected illegal drugs were recovered from a 14-year-old Grade 9 student inside a public high school in Javier, Leyte on Thursday.
Police identified the child in conflict with the law (CICL) as CMC in compliance with laws protecting the identity of minors.
The Javier Municipal Police Station (MPS) said the incident occurred at around 9:20 a.m. at Javier National High School in Poblacion Zone I.
The case came to the attention of police after school authorities sought assistance at about 11:30 a.m., following the apprehension of the student by school personnel, said Javier police chief Police Lt. Jeffrey Tapales.
Initial investigation showed that the minor, along with two other students, was confronted by a school staff member for allegedly loitering near the staircase leading to the school's roof deck.
While being escorted to the guardhouse, the student allegedly pulled a small plastic sachet from his pocket and threw it toward a parked electric bicycle. The sachet was immediately recovered by the staff member and was found to contain suspected shabu.
School personnel promptly brought the recovered item and the student to the principal's office before reporting the incident to the Javier MPS, highlighting the close coordination between the school and local police in responding to the situation.
"The Javier MPS remains committed in protecting our youth from the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Schools must always be safe spaces where students can learn, grow, and develop good character. We commend the vigilance and prompt action of the school personnel, whose cooperation ensured the proper handling of this incident,” Tapales stated.
Responding officers coordinated with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Javier and invited two barangay officials to witness the inventory of the recovered item. The inventory was conducted in the presence of the social worker, barangay officials, and the minor's parent.
Police said efforts were made to secure the presence of a media representative during the inventory, but none was available at the time.
Authorities conducted an on-site investigation, while the suspected illegal drug will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 8 for laboratory examination to determine its weight and confirm its composition.
The minor remains under the appropriate intervention process in accordance with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Police said the investigation is continuing to determine how the student came into possession of the contraband and whether other individuals may have been involved. (PNA)