P2.8M marijuana found in abandoned SUV in Benguet

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Police recovered suspected marijuana worth about P2.8 million from an abandoned sport utility vehicle (SUV) in La Trinidad, Benguet, authorities said on Monday.

The seizure was made on June 7 after officers from the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station conducted a routine mobile patrol in Barangay Puguis, according to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR).

Police said officers noticed a man opening the rear compartment of a parked vehicle and approached him after suspecting a possible theft.

The man allegedly fled before officers could question him.

A subsequent visual inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of two sacks containing what authorities described as suspected marijuana.

The Regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit-Cordillera later responded to the scene. A narcotics detection dog positively indicated the presence of illegal drugs, police said.

Authorities said the sacks contained 24 tubular packages of suspected dried marijuana with a total weight of 23,400 grams, or 23.4 kilograms.

The suspected marijuana had an estimated street value of P2.808 million based on the government’s standard drug pricing, police added.

The seized items were documented and taken into police custody for further processing.

Investigators are working to identify the owner of the vehicle and the man who fled the scene.

Any criminal liability remains subject to further investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.

Police said possible violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being considered.

PRO-CAR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Ericson D. Dilag commended responding personnel and cited the continued cooperation of local communities in anti-illegal drug operations across the Cordillera region.