Cordillera police seize ₱32.6M marijuana, arrest two

BAGUIO CITY — Police in the Cordillera region seized illegal drugs worth more than ₱32.6 million and arrested two suspected drug personalities during anti-narcotics operations in Benguet province and Baguio City on March 5, authorities said.

The operations were carried out by the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region as part of intensified anti-drug enforcement across the mountainous region.

Authorities said marijuana eradication teams discovered 11 marijuana plantation sites in Benguet, leading to the destruction of 4,800 fully grown marijuana plants and the seizure of 263,950 grams of dried marijuana stalks, leaves and fruiting tops.

Police estimated the confiscated marijuana had a standard drug price of ₱32,634,000.

The plantations were located in Kibungan, Bakun, and Kapangan, municipalities in Benguet province known for rugged terrain where illegal marijuana cultivation has periodically been uncovered.

Authorities immediately burned the discovered marijuana plants on-site, while investigators continued efforts to locate other plantations and identify individuals responsible for cultivating them.

The eradication effort involved joint teams from several police units and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, including municipal police stations in Benguet, provincial intelligence and drug enforcement units, regional intelligence and mobile force units.

Separately, police arrested two suspects during buy-bust operations.

In La Trinidad, Benguet, a 36-year-old man was arrested after allegedly selling suspected shabu to an undercover officer. Police recovered two sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride weighing 0.98 grams, with an estimated value of ₱6,664.

In another operation in Baguio City, a 56-year-old man was arrested after officers seized two sachets of suspected shabu weighing 1.1 grams, valued at ₱7,480.

Both suspects were classified by authorities as street-level individuals involved in illegal drug activities.

The suspects and confiscated evidence were placed under the custody of the respective operating units for documentation and proper disposition.

Police said the suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Authorities said anti-drug operations in the Cordillera region will continue as part of efforts to curb illegal drug production and distribution.