Marijuana shipment seized in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Authorities seized a van loaded with at least 141 kilos of dried marijuana leaves at a checkpoint along Kennon Road last Friday night.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Cordillera and Baguio City police Station 8 pulled over the Mitsubishi Delica van bound for Metro Manila and confiscated at least 73 bundles and 34 bricks of marijuana.

Marijuana has a street price of P4,000 per kilo and the seized shipment is worth P564,000.

Cordillera police director Chief Supterindent Isagani Nerez said the unidentified driver of the van jumped from the vehicle before it reached the checkpoint and escaped.

The passengers of the van – Arnold Fabian Atonen from Bakun, Benguet and Rose Baleg Bentrez from Kibungan, Benguet – were arrested and would face drug trafficking charges.

Authorities traced the Mitsubishi Delica van with license plates RAM-574 to registered owner Hermillo Estrada of Poblacion, Gerona, Tarlac.

An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera said the van was on the way to Metro Manila when it was intercepted.

If successfully taken outside the region, the contraband could reach as far as Boracay and Cavite.