LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Combined police operatives and anti-narcotics agents successfully seized more than P5.7 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested two suspects in an intensified anti-illegal drug operation conducted in Baguio and Benguet recently.
The determined efforts of law enforcement in Benguet led to the discovery of eight marijuana plantation sites across the municipalities of Kibungan and Bakun. These extensive eradication operations yielded 15,100 fully grown marijuana plants and 22,800.00 grams of dried marijuana stalks, with a combined total Standard Drug Price (SDP) of PhP5,756,000.00.
These operations were successful with the joint efforts of operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU), different units of the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO), the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO CAR, the Regional Intelligence Unit-14 (RIU-14), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-CAR.
All the discovered marijuana plants were meticulously documented before being incinerated on-site, while enough samples were secured for forensic analysis at the Regional Forensic Unit-CAR. Authorities are actively pursuing further investigations to identify additional cultivation sites in adjacent areas and to bring all individuals involved in these illegal activities to justice.
Meanwhile, in Baguio City, a male aged 43, listed as a High-Value Individual, and a female aged 36, listed as a Street Level Individual, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in barangay Bakakeng Central launched by the joint operatives from the different units of the Baguio City Police Office (CPO), RIU 14, RPDEU, PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit, and PDEA CAR.
The arrested suspects and the seized evidence are currently under the custody of the City Drug Enforcement Unit of Baguio CPO for proper documentation and legal proceedings. Charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against them.
These successful operations underscore the unwavering dedication of PRO CAR and its partner agencies in their relentless pursuit of a drug-free Cordillera region. By Dexter A. See
