Baguio drug raid arrests eight, seizes P97,000 contraband

BAGUIO CITY, June 25 — Eight people were arrested and suspected illegal drugs worth about P97,160 were seized during a search warrant operation in Baguio City, police said.

The operation was carried out on June 23 in Barangay Kias by joint anti-illegal drug units of the Baguio City Police Office and the Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR), according to a police report.

Authorities identified those arrested only as five men aged 42, 39, 37, 34 and 21, and three women aged 34, 32 and 26.

Police described them as alleged street-level individuals involved in illegal drug activities.

Police said operatives recovered one sachet containing about five grams of suspected marijuana leaves and seeds with an estimated standard drug price of P600, along with 17 heat-sealed sachets containing approximately 14.2 grams of suspected shabu valued at P89,760.

The total estimated value of the seized substances was placed at P97,160, authorities said.

According to PRO-CAR, the confiscated items were inventoried at the scene in the presence of the suspects, a Department of Justice representative and a barangay official, in accordance with procedures governing the handling of evidence in anti-drug operations.

The arrested individuals and the seized items were brought to Police Station 4 of the Baguio City Police Office for documentation and further processing.

Police said the suspects are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

(This report is based on information released by the Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region)