Harsher penalties sought for jailed drug kingpins

Drug kingpins who have been lording it over national penitentiaries for decades may soon spend more years behind bars once a measure at the House of Representatives is approved and concurred in by the Senate.

- DELON PORCALLA

House Bill 9153, or the proposed Contraband Detection and Control Act, seeks to impose jail term ranging from 20 to 40 years and a fine of P5 million to P10 million to any person who shall introduce, convey or attempt to introduce or convey dangerous drugs, firearms and explosives, or those who will be caught in possession inside a prison facility.

"This bill aims to prevent the proliferation of contraband in prison by mandating all agencies and LGUs (local government units) that operate and maintain any correctional, custodial or detention facility to establish and implement a Contraband Detection and Control System," Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said.