P4.2-M marijuana bricks found in Bontoc café; P9.5- M MJ seized in checkpoints

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet-- Police arrested four persons including a minor for illegal drugs in the region with P9,588,000 worth of marijuana bricks confiscated last week.

In Tublay, Benguet, two men were were arrested at km 13, Acop Caponga afternoon of August 3 after marijuana bricks were found in their possession.

Suspects identified as Aldrin Bombio Rabutan, 20, of Baseco Port, Block 9 Extension, Tondo, Manila and a 17 year old male minor were in a Rising Sun Bus from Bontoc, Mountain Province when they were flagged down at a checkpoint.

During inspection, two large backpacks containing 35 marijuana bricks valued P4,200,000 were confiscated from suspects by Tublay and La Trinidad towns police and narcotics agents.

Meanwhile, two abandoned backpacks and a travelling bag containing 35 marijuana bricks valued at P4,200,000 were discovered by Bontoc policemen inside the Cable Café and Restaurant in Poblacion, Bontoc Mt. Province night of August 2.

Another man identified as Kevin Lhar Blanko Aguila, 18, student, and a resident of Tuktukan, Taguig City was arrested along Bontoc-Kalinga Road, Poblacion, Bontoc on Aug. 4 by police and narcotics agents.

Confiscated from his possession were 10 bricks of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated street value of P1, 188,000.

A certain John Lloyd B. Romera was also arrested in a buy-bust operation at SO Kabildatan, Zone 7, Bangued, Abra on Aug. 4, also by police and narcotics agents.

Allgedly confiscated from Romera were a sachet containing suspected shabu; two plastic bags  containing marijuana leaves, P1,000 marked money, P230 cash, cell phone; tricycle and drug paraphernalia.

Regional police director Brig. Gen. Ephraim T. Dickson said lately, local tourists, mostly students from the lowlands have been arrested in the region.