Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police/Facebook
Authorities arrested two men and seized dried marijuana worth about Php 2.4 million during an anti illegal drugs operation in La Trinidad, Benguet, on March 3.
Operatives carried out a buy bust operation in Barangay Betag that led to the confiscation of nearly 20 kilograms of dried marijuana stalks and fruiting tops.
Investigators said the suspects sold several elongated packages wrapped in transparent and brown tape. The bundles were later confirmed to contain dried marijuana.
Police also recovered mobile phones believed to have been used in the transaction and impounded a Toyota Tamaraw FX suspected of being used to transport the illegal drugs.
Regional Director Martin Francia identified one of the arrested individuals by the alias “Simple Heart,” a 23 year old resident of Bakun, Benguet.
His companion, a 21 year old from Mankayan, Benguet, was also taken into custody during the operation.
Authorities said both suspects would face charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation was conducted through the joint efforts of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Cordillera Regional Special Enforcement Team, the Baguio City and Benguet Provincial Office, the Benguet Police Provincial Office Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station.
