COPS SEIZE P1.8-M WORTH OF ILLEGAL DRUGS AND ARREST TWO IN CORDILLERA ANTI-DRUG OPERATIONS

The Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) seizes PhP1,808,352.00 worth of illegal drugs and arrests two drug personalities, including a high-value individual, in a series of anti-illegal drug operations conducted across Abra, Benguet, Kalinga, and Baguio City on July 18, 2024.

In Abra, a joint operation conducted by the different units of Abra Police Provincial Office (PPO), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 (RMFB15), and PDEA-CAR led to the apprehension of a High-Value Individual (HVI) and the seizure of approximately 0.60 grams of shabu valued at PhP4,080.00 in a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Namarabar, Peñarrubia.

Another suspect, identified as a Street Level Individual (SLI), was arrested in Baguio City after selling one plastic sachet of shabu weighing around 0.04 grams, valued at PhP272.00, in a buy-bust operation conducted by joint operatives of the different units of Baguio City Police Office (CPO) and PDEA-CAR in Purok 2, Brgy. Dontogan.

Meanwhile, in Kalinga, authorities intercepted 11,000 grams of dried marijuana leaves, valued at PhP1,320,000.00, during a checkpoint operation in Brgy. Dangtalan, Pasil. Joint operatives from Pasil MPS, 2nd PMFC, and RMFB15 initiated a pursuit after a suspect evaded the checkpoint, resulting in the recovery of the abandoned motorcycle used in the evasion.

In Benguet, separate marijuana eradication operations were conducted in Brgy. Kayapa, Bakun, and Brgy. Badeo, and Kibungan, led to the discovery and destruction of 500 and 750 fully grown marijuana plants, respectively, with a combined estimated value of PhP250,000.00. The marijuana plants were uprooted and burned on site, with samples sent to the Regional Forensic Unit for testing.

All confiscated substances and evidence were documented on-site in the presence of witnesses and suspects. The arrested individuals are facing charges for violations of R.A. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, while investigations continue to identify other potential drug cultivation sites and suspects involved. (PRO-CAR PIO / File Photos)