Two men arrested in Benguet with ₱17.7M marijuana

BAKUN, Benguet — Two men from Parañaque City were arrested after police seized ₱17.7 million worth of dried marijuana during a hot pursuit operation in Bakun, Benguet, on Tuesday morning, November 4.

The suspects, aged 25 and 24, were caught after attempting to flee from a checkpoint conducted by the 1st Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in Sitio Gakian, Barangay Gambang, according to the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO).

The officers noticed the suspects’ vehicle suddenly turn around instead of proceeding through the checkpoint.

Police immediately initiated a pursuit and alerted the Bakun Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit.

Additional checkpoints were quickly established in Sitio Ay-ay, Barangay Ampusongan, leading to the interception of the vehicle in Sitio Mogao, Barangay Gambang.

The two suspects tried to escape on foot but were promptly apprehended.

Upon inspection, authorities found sacks and tubular nets filled with dried marijuana leaves, including:

• • 127 tubular forms weighing 127 kilograms valued at ₱15,240,000;
  • One yellow sack with 10.27 kilograms worth ₱1,232,400; and
  • One garbage bag with 10.4 kilograms of marijuana leaves and stalks valued at ₱1,248,000.

All seized items and the arrested individuals were brought to the Bakun MPS for documentation and proper disposition.

They will be charged with violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police Regional Office–Cordillera (PRO-CAR) Regional Director PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag commended the quick response of the Benguet police, stressing the importance of continuous operations against illegal drugs to maintain peace and safety in the Cordillera region.