247 kilos of marijuana seized in Benguet

La Trinidad, Benguet — At least P10 million worth of dried marijuana leaves were seized from two suspected drug dealers in a checkpoint in Abatan, Buguias town on Saturday afternoon.

Suspects Avelino Palasi and Lorenzo Laoyan, who were both detained at the Buguias Municipal Police Station, were reportedly flagged down by policemen manning a checkpoint in the town, purportedly in connection with the multi-million gold bar robbery at the Lepanto Mines last Sept. 20.

Police said the suspects’ vehicle, a Besta van with license plates UFN 618 being driven by Palasi, yielded the 247 kilos of dried marijuana leaves.

Officials estimate the seized contraband to be worth at least P10 million.

Officials, however, could not ascertain where the contraband came from but they said that it could either be from Benguet or Mountain Province.

The Cordillera region, authorities admit, remains a major source of marijuana.