P17.7M worth of Marijuana seized in Bakun, Benguet; TWO drug transporters arrested

Bakun, Benguet — Police authorities in Benguet foiled a major drug transport attempt after seizing more than ₱17 million worth of marijuana during an operation on November 4, 2025.

According to a report released by the Police Regional Office–Cordillera (PRO-CAR) on November 5, the 1st Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and the Benguet Police Provincial Office (PPO) were manning a checkpoint in Barangay Gambang, Bakun, when they noticed a four-wheel vehicle that slowed down and suddenly turned back toward Barangay Ampusongan.

Sensing something suspicious, the officers immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and coordinated with the Bakun Municipal Police Station, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit, who set up another checkpoint in Sitio Ay-ay, the direction where the vehicle was heading.

The suspects’ vehicle was later intercepted in Sitio Mogao, Barangay Gambang, leading to the arrest of two men, aged 25 and 24, both residents of Parañaque City.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered a large volume of dried marijuana, including 127 tubular forms (127 kg), a yellow sack (10.27 kg), and a garbage bag (10.4 kg) of dried leaves and stalks. The confiscated items, valued at ₱17.7 million based on the Standard Drug Price (SDP), are now under the custody of the Bakun Municipal Police Station (MPS) for documentation and proper disposition.

The arrested suspects have been detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Following the operation, PRO-CAR Regional Director PBGen. Ericson D. Dilag commended the operatives for their swift response and close coordination.

“Ipinahayag ni PBGEN Ericson D. Dilag, Regional Director ng PRO-CAR, ang kanyang pasasalamat sa mga operatiba ng Benguet PPO sa kanilang maagap at epektibong pagtugon sa insidente. Binigyang-diin din niya ang kahalagahan ng patuloy na pagpapatupad ng mga operasyon laban sa ilegal na droga upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan,” the regional police office stated.