Shabu recovered from Grade 9 student turns out to be 'tawas'
A GRADE 9 student was released to his family after laboratory examination of the suspected illegal drugs recovered from him in a school in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City on Monday, July 20, tested negative for shabu. (Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region)
BACOLOD CITY – Laboratory examination of suspected illegal drug recovered from a 17-year-old Grade 9 student in a school in Barangay Banago here on Monday, July 20, tested negative for shabu.
Police Lt. Benjo Ballo Allo, head of Police Station 3, confirmed on Wednesday, July 22, that the item recovered might be a form of alum or ‘’tawas.’’
Ballo Allo said they initially suspected it to be alum because of its quality compared to shabu which is brittle but only a laboratory test can confirm it.
He said the minor-student has been released from the custody of the Social Development Center (SDC).
Ballo Allo recalled the student was sobbing as he strongly denied possessing such contraband in school when the school guard turned over him to the authorities.
The student even suspected it to be a case of "tripping" or bullying from other students targeting him, Ballo Allo said.
Ballo Allo said the school guard called the attention of the student after he was reported by other students to have been allegedly carrying a firearm in school which turned out negative.
He added that they will check again with the school to identify the person who reportedly put the alum inside the student's bag.
The student will be referred to the City Social Welfare Office for proper intervention as the incident may have traumatized him.
Authorities reminded parents to always monitor their children and guard them especially from people who might target them.