Police seize ₱43.3M in illegal drugs across Cordillera; 9 arrested

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Law enforcement officers across the Cordillera region seized more than ₱43.3 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested nine suspects during a weeklong intensified campaign, regional police reported Monday.

The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) conducted 25 separate operations from April 27 to May 3.

The crackdown included 17 marijuana eradication drives, two buy-bust operations, and the implementation of several search and arrest warrants.

According to data from the Regional Operations Division, the Standard Drug Price (SDP) of the haul totaled ₱43,352,384.

The bulk of the seizures came from Mountain Province, where marijuana eradication efforts successfully cleared plants valued at ₱31.36 million.

In Benguet, police recovered illegal drugs with an SDP of ₱7.93 million and arrested two individuals.

Additional operations in Baguio City, Kalinga, and Apayao led to further arrests and the recovery of suspected shabu and various marijuana products.

The nine individuals arrested include four classified as “high-value individuals” and five “street-level individuals.”

All suspects are currently in police custody and face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Regional authorities stated that the week’s results reaffirm a “firm commitment” to maintaining drug-free communities through sustained partnerships with local government units and community stakeholders.