30-yr.-old drug transporter arrested after marijuana fell from bag while crossing road

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A 30-year-old traveler reported carrying marijuana ended up in police custody after a suspected contraband fell from his unzipped bag while rushing to cross the road in Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City on February 16, 2026.

The suspect (name withheld by the police) was identified as a 30-year-old resident of Casiguran, Aurora Province. According to Kalinga Police Spokesperson, PCapt. Ruff Manganip, the suspect arrived in Tabuk City onboard a passenger jeepney from Tinglayan. He added that the man dropped off in Bulanao where he rushed to cross the pedestrian lane without knowing his backpack was open.

As he was about to cross, a brick fell off from his bag. At the time, a police officer, who was in the area, saw the contraband. This resulted into the arrest of the 30-year-old. 

Seized from the accused include a brick and two tubular dried marijuana amounting to P174,000. After inventory of the items taken from him, the man was taken to Tabuk City Police Station for documentation and to Kalinga Provincial Forensic Unit for drug test and laboratory examination.

To anyone who plans to ferry illegal drugs in Kalinga, Manganip warned them they will not espcae the police, saying, “merong mata at pang-amoy ang kapulisan. Kaya hindi kayo makakalusot.”