Anti-drug operatives net P800k-worth of pot at Kalinga checkpoint

Marijuana plant (AP FILE PHOTO)

Government operatives have arrested four individuals, including a minor, who were found to be in possession of over P800,000 worth of marijuana at a checkpoint in Kalinga, Mountain Province, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) revealed on Friday.

According to PDEA, anti-drug agents and local police intercepted the suspects, who were aboard two motorcycles, at a checkpoint in Fafain, Bangad, Tinglayan last Saturday, February 17.

“A search was conducted which yielded marijuana stalks, weighing more or less 6,500 grams, with an estimated value of Php812,500.00,” PDEA said in a statement, citing the report of Edgar S. Apalla, director of the PDEA Regional Office in Cordillera Administrative Region.

PDEA identified three of the four suspects as Abdul Gapar F. Batuaan, 18 years old; Jowas D. Ang, 18; and Andre Gonzalo T. Lazada. The identity of the fourth individual is withheld for being a minor.

PDEA said that charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165) will be filed in court against the suspects. /kga