Authorities have seized P1.4 million worth of marijuana after policemen flagged down a white van at a checkpoint in Mt. Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Police also arrested 15 persons, including 4 minors, after conducting a search in the white Toyota Hi-ace GL Grandia held at a checkpoint in Sitio Todey, Poblacion Sabangan, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
The PDEA, in a news release on Wednesday, said that a police officer smelled marijuana after requesting the Grandia鈥檚 driver to roll down the window.
Upon discovering that a passenger鈥檚 bag contained around 58 grams of marijuana, the police brought in the van鈥檚 passengers to the station for further search, the PDEA said.
Police discovered 56 bricks of marijuana dried leaves worth P1.4 million, dried marijuana stalks worth P87,500 and powdered marijuana worth P750, according to the agency.
The PDEA said representatives from the Justice Department, media and local officials were present during the search.
PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino identified the suspects as Bayani Malang, 53; Jireh Rose dela Cruz, 19; Marvin Canlas, 18; Abigail del Fiero y Baldric, 23, American citizen; Miko Canlas y Miranda, 18; Stephanie Gapuz, 27, American citizen; Exequiel Rodil Chu, 20; Jhaymar聽 dela Cruz, 18; Anastacia Okonkwo, 22, Nigerian national; Ricky Perez, 18; Mark Joshua, 21; Niko Yumol, 21; and four minors.
The suspects will face criminal complaints for transportation of dangerous drugs under RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 in court, according to the PDEA.