By Mark Anthony G. Pangan | July 8, 2025

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga (PIA)—Police operatives seized an estimated P2 million worth of cannabis-related items in a buy-bust operation in Mabalacat City, raising concerns over the growing presence and variety of marijuana-based products being sold in the province.

Three suspected high-value individuals (HVIs), aged 24, 25, and 28, were arrested in Barangay Bical by operatives from the Mabalacat City Police Station. 

Two kilograms of dried marijuana leaves worth P240,000; 520 grams of suspected Kush with standard drug price of P858,000; 218 marijuana-flavored vape cartridges amounting to P872,000, and 19 pieces of marijuana oil worth P30,000 were recovered during the operation. 

Authorities noted that the volume and variety of cannabis products recovered point to a rising trend that could attract younger users and complicate enforcement efforts.

“These are no longer your traditional forms of marijuana. The suspects were clearly distributing high-end, processed cannabis products, which are often disguised or marketed in ways that appeal to younger consumers,” Pampanga Police Provincial Officer Director PCOL Eugene M. Marcelo said. 

Police said the vape cartridges alone show signs of how the illegal drug market is adapting to consumer trends.

Marcelo warned that the accessibility and appeal of such products pose new challenges to law enforcement, and called on communities to remain vigilant.

“This incident reflects a dangerous shift in the local drug trade, and we are taking this seriously. Our intensified operations aim to prevent these products from reaching our youth and communities,” Marcelo added.

All suspects are now in police custody and face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

For his part, Police Regional Office 3 Director PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones, Jr. commended the operatives for their swift and decisive action.

“This successful operation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to cleanse our communities of drug syndicates and pushers. We are intensifying our efforts to go after all criminal elements threatening public safety,” he said.

Authorities continue to monitor distribution trends and supplier networks as part of their province-wide crackdown on illegal drugs. They also call on the public to continue their support by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police stations. 

Before this, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said it foiled another smuggling attempt at the Clark Freeport, which resulted in the seizure of approximately P708,000 worth of kush (high-grade marijuana) following an interdiction operation on July 3.

PDEA Clark team leader said that the parcel emanated from Michigan, USA, and was declared as “Sasstie Reading Pillows for Sitting in Bed Adult.”

“The package containing illegal drugs arrived at the Port of Clark last June 30 and was detected during a routine customs examination and X-ray scan. The drugs were not concealed, which resulted in their discovery by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) examiners,” PDEA Clark added.

Approximately 472 grams of kush valued at P708,000 was seized during the interdiction operation.

Confiscated drugs will be submitted to the PDEA RO3 laboratory for forensic examination and confirmation.

The successful interdiction operation was a collaborative effort involving PDEA Clark International Airport Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (CRK IADITG), Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Clark, NBI Pampanga District Office, and PNP Aviation Security Unit. 