P4.3-M marijuana seized in Kalinga; 8 persons nabbed

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Authorities confiscated over 4.3 million pesos worth of marijuana in Tinglayan, Kalinga while eight persons were jailed after separate anti-illegal drug operations were conducted in three Cordillera provinces.

Cordillera police director Brig. Gen Gen R’win SA Pagkalinawan bared this saying 36 kilos of drugs amounting to P4,320,000 were seized from two individuals in Mamaga, Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga on May 19. 

Suspects Rich Vandamme Alegre Armoreda and Martin Serrano were onboard a Mitsubishi Adventure SUV when they were flagged down in the area.

Police found and confiscated marijuana dried stalks and leaves protruding from a sack at the back passenger seat of the vehicle that led to the confiscation of the contraband.

Confiscated were 36 pieces of marijuana dried stalks and leaves wrapped with transparent plastic and two Apple cell phones.

 Meanwhile, six drug personalities were caught in buy-bust operations after they sold sachets of suspected shabu to police officers who acted as buyer same day.

Alleged drug peddler Jereliniel Dela Cruz Cabungkal was apprehended in Mamaga, Balili, La Trinidad while Leonard Killi Tauli was caught in Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet.

Two sachets of shabu, a Cloudfone cell phone, Samsung touch screen cellular phone, P1,000 buy-bust money and P3,000 boodle money were confiscated from both.

Meanwhile, arrested for drug pushing were Maricel Porcioncula, Shannen .R Antonio, Joel R. Bautista, and Angelito G. Banate were arrested in Purok Mangitit, Camp 7, Baguio City. Confiscated from them were five sachets of shabu, P8,000 buy-bust money, android cell phone and drug paraphernalia.

All eight suspects are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.