What appeared to be an innocent batch of Filipino snacks turned out to be a smuggling attempt at the Manila City Jail Annex on Sunday, July 13.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – National Capital Region (BJMP-NCR) reported that jail personnel intercepted 12 plastic sachets of tobacco concealed inside turon and maruya, which were brought by a female visitor identified only as “Jen.”
The smuggled tobacco was discovered during routine inspection. Jen has since been permanently banned from entering the facility, as part of the jail’s strict visitor policies.
“No sweet escape for contraband in turon!” the BJMP-NCR wrote in a Facebook post, adding a strong warning to others: “If you’re planning to smuggle illegal items into our jail facilities, think again.”
“Our personnel are highly vigilant, and we have strict protocols in place to ensure no contraband gets through,” the bureau added. Violations like these may result in a permanent ban or even criminal charges.
The bizarre method of hiding tobacco inside caramelized banana fritters didn’t go unnoticed by netizens, particularly in a Philippine Reddit thread where users reacted with a mix of outrage and humor.
“Respeto naman sa turon, grabe sila!” one user commented. Another joked, “Minatamis na tabako.”
Others lamented the waste of what looked like delicious snacks. “Sayang naman ‘yung mga turon, mukhang masarap pa naman. Nag-crave tuloy ako. LOL,” wrote one Redditor.
Turon, a local favorite, is typically made by wrapping sweet bananas in lumpia wrappers and frying them with brown sugar until crisp and golden.
Tobacco remains a prohibited item in all BJMP facilities, with the bureau reiterating back in 2020 that cigarettes and similar products are classified as contraband.
