WORLD’S MOST OVERCROWDED JAIL

Inside the squalid prison that houses 3,800 inmates amid fears Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war is pushing jails to ‘breaking point’

There have been 40,000 arrests since July alone

Sara Kamouni

Published: 10:11, 16 Dec 2016
Updated: 12:05, 16 Dec 2016

FILIPINO president Rodrigo Duterte's drugs war is pushing the country's jails to the limit, it has been revealed - following 40,000 arrests since July alone.

Shocking photographs show convicted drug dealers packed into cells at Quezon City Jail, in the capital Manila - while some sleep in recreation areas due to a severe lack of space.

Inmates sleep on the steps of a ladder inside Manila's Quezon City JailCredit: Getty Images

The prison was built 60 years ago to house 800 inmates - but now over 3,000 people are detained thereCredit: Getty Images

There is a relentless contest for space in the jail, as inmates take turns to sleep on the floors, steps, outside and underneath bedsCredit: Getty Images

An investigation by found the jail currently holds some 3,800 inmates - despite having a capacity of just 800.

Meanwhile, over 130 prisoners are forced to sleep in cells built for no more than 30 people - with as many as ten sharing a single bunk.

Now, China has pledged funds for a new detention facility in the Philippines as part of its support for President Duterte's drug war.

40,000 drug-related arrests have been made in the country since this picture was taken in JulyCredit: Getty Images

These shocking pictures show the extent of the overcrowding as prisoners are forced to rest on old blanketsCredit: Getty Images

The campaign, which even includes a ban on smoking, has also led to 8,000 deaths since July - mostly street dealers and users, who according to police resisted arrest.

However, others were killed by vigilantes - prompting Duterte to deny the police are carrying out unlawful killings.

Critics of Duterte's violent approach to drug use - which he says is driven by abuse he suffered as a child - have called upon the president to ensure the campaign is carried out lawfully, and to punish any police who enforce the law illegally.